International Solidarity Movement, along with International and Israeli Activists join Palestinians for the Olive Harvest!

Palestinian agricultural organizations and farmers, in coordination with the International Solidarity Movement, the International
Women's Peace Service and Israeli activist groups, announce the 2004
Olive Harvest Campaign.

The ISM Olive Harvest Campaign will take place between October 5 and November 15.

The farming communities of the West Bank regions face enormous obstacles to completing their harvest. Settlers from illegal Israeli colonies in the West Bank, as part of their concerted
campaign to drive the Palestinians off their land, constantly threaten, harass and even attack Palestinians working in their groves. The Israeli army frequently declares olive groves as
"closed military zones" and prevents farmers from picking in areas which are close to settlement fences or settler-only roads.

The Olive Harvest Campaign, 2004, will challenge settler and Israeli army actions that deny Palestinians access to their land and the
right to harvest their crops. Specific areas where the construction of the Wall is taking place will be targeted in coordination with
Palestinian communities.

The regions where ISM will be focusing participation during the olive harvest are:

Tulkarem
Jenin
Nablus
Salfit
Jayous

The olive harvest is one of the key events in the lives of Palestinians. Olives and olive oil are one the largest agricultural products in the Palestinian economy and are important source of
livlihood for thousands of families. The olive tree is also a symbol of the indigenous people of the land, the Palestinians. Defending the right to harvest olives is to defend Palestinian right to the land and to their history.

Join us in Palestine for the Olive Harvest!

For information on the ISM Olive Harvest Campaign please see: www.palsolidarity.org ISM Media

The Chicago chapter of the International Solidarity Movement will conduct their next monthly meeting on Saturday, October 24. Please e-mail or call for location.