American Friends Service Committee
Faces of Hope - Olive Harvest Delegation 2005

October 8 – 17, 2005

Why should I go on the Faces of Hope – Olive Harvest delegation?

This delegation is an excellent opportunity to observe and participate in the nonviolent resistance movement to the Israeli occupation. This movement brings together Palestinians, Israelis, and internationals to support the Palestinian olive harvest. The olive harvest season in the West Bank is generally a time of great community activism, where people of all ages work together to pick olives and join farmers as they reap their harvest. Assistance from Israeli peace activists and international volunteers has helped Palestinian communities overcome many obstacles that impact the harvest, including gaining access to farmers' fields, transporting olives through checkpoints, and replanting olive trees destroyed by Israeli soldiers or settlers.

Participants in the Faces of Hope – Olive Harvest Delegation will benefit from the AFSC’s long history of working in Israel and Palestine, as well as our network of activists in the United States. The olive harvest is one focus of our Faces of Hope Campaign supporting nonviolent resistance and refusal in Israel and Palestine, and participants will be encouraged in get involved in this work upon returning to the U.S.

What will I do on the delegation?
While the main focus of the delegation is to support the Palestinian olive harvest, participants will also be exposed to the Palestinians and Israelis who are working nonviolently for a peaceful future in the region. The delegation will include an extended homestay in a Palestinian village where participants will assist in the olive harvest. In addition, participants will also meet with representatives of Palestinian nonviolence organizations actively resisting the Israeli occupation and the Separation Wall, as well as Israeli organizations building a movement for conscientious objection. The delegation will also meet with Israelis and Palestinians with a variety of viewpoints on the conflict.

When considering joining the delegation, please be advised that participating with the olive harvest may include strenuous physical activity in warm weather.

What is the cost of the delegation?
The delegation costs approximately $2,000 per person (depending on airfare). The cost includes: roundtrip airfare from Newark International Airport, 8 days in Israel/Palestine, hotel and home stay accommodations, breakfasts and dinners, local transportation, guides, speaker/event fees, basic tips and gratuities.

Participants are responsible for their travel to Newark International Airport.

How do I sign up?
Please submit an application by Friday, July 22 and you will be notified by the beginning of August if you have been accepted to participate in the delegation. Because of limited capacity we cannot promise that all applicants will be able to join the delegation.

By July 22, 2005 please submit the following :
The attached Application Form
A refundable application fee of $100 payable to the AFSC/MEPBU. This will applied to the total cost of the tour.
The forms should be faxed or mailed to:

Kathy Bergen, National Coordinator of Middle East Peacebuilding Programs
American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Fax: (215) 241-7177

Please note that although you can fax the application form , your application will not be considered complete until your application fee arrives.

Contact olives (at) afsc.org with any questions about this delegation.