Invitation

Olive Planting Program - February 2009
A program for Civil International Solidarity with Palestinians

Invitation to the Olive Planting Program
7th - 16th February, 2009

Agricultural experts in Palestine estimate that over a million olive trees have been uprooted and destroyed by 'Israel' since it was created in 1948. Almost half of these olive trees were uprooted since the start of the 2nd Intifada in 2000 (Palestinian uprising against the Israeli Military Occupation).

Disrespecting its’ religious, cultural, natural, nutritious and economic value, the olive tree has been constantly targeted by the military occupation under the guise of security, the construction of the Wall on Palestinian lands, and the expansion of settlements. The destruction of olive trees has had intentional and destructive results on the lives of many Palestinian farmers, land owners and the Palestinian population in general.

The JAI, is organizing the Olive Tree planting Program 2009, hence inviting people from all over the world to join. The 10 day trips full itinerary is available below and apart from tree planting, shall consist of a fantastic alternative travel destination for 'the adventurist'. There will also be plenty of opportunities for a wondeful swim in the dead sea and a host of musical events, political tours and cultural events.

FULL details below including the cost (payable upon arrival in Bethlehem)

Contact  visitpalestine@yahoo.co.uk for booking details and registration form.

Photos of last years olive harvest program can be viewed here:  http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/picturesoctober2...7.htm

On line itinerary to be book marked here:
 http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/treeplantingfebr...9.htm

Saturday, Feb 7, Day 1: Arrival to the airport and travel to Bethlehem to meet representatives from the organizing institutions for an overview and discussion of the program. Dinner and free time.

Sunday, Feb 8, Day 2: Visiting Bethlehem. An afternoon of site-seeing and an introduction to the town. Watching Documentary about the situation in Palestine.

Monday, Feb 9, Day 3: Half day planting trees at a selected field followed by lunch. Visiting Duheisha refugee camp. Evening with BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugees' Rights. Dinner and free time.

Tuesday, Feb 10, Day 4: Half day planting trees at a selected field followed by lunch. Meeting with the Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ) for a presentation on the Israeli Apartheid Wall and land expropriation by Israeli authorities. Dinner and free time.

Wednesday, Feb 11, Day 5: Visiting YMCA headquarters in Jerusalem, A tour in the old city of Jerusalem to visit the main sites in the city. Lunch. In the afternoon we will join The Israeli Committee Against House Demolition ICAHD for a settlement tour around Jerusalem. Dinner and free time. (suggested family stay)

Thursday, Feb 12, Day 6: Half day planting trees at a selected field followed by lunch. A tour in the old city of Hebron to visit the Ibrahimi Mosque, es-souq (the market), and to see the Israeli division of Hebron and the Israeli settlers who occupy the center of the city. Followed by a meeting with an organization based in Hebron. Dinner and free time (suggested family stay)

Friday, Feb 13, Day 7: Visit to the city of Ramallah. A meeting with Defense for Children International DCI, Al-Dameer and a Palestinian political representative. Dinner and free time.

Saturday, Feb 14, Day 8: Half day planting trees at a selected field followed by lunch. Meeting with representatives from the Joint Advocacy Initiative of the East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine Dinner and free time.

Sunday, Feb 15, Day 9: Half day planting trees at a selected field followed by lunch. Evaluation meeting followed by a farewell dinner at a local restaurant with staff members and volunteers. Overnight in Bethlehem.

Monday, Feb 16, Day 10: Departure

More Information:
The cost of the 10 days program including accommodation, meals, and local transportation is 620$ or equivalent in euros or sterling. .
A tour guide will be present with the group at all times for facilitation purposes.
Travel from and to the airport is not included in the cost but can be arranged for groups.
Places are limited.

Kind regards from the staff of
Visit Palestine!

 http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/

For any other information, questions, concerns, or to request a registration form, please contact:


Related Link:  http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/