Palestine/Israel : Fair Olive Harvest

October 30, 2009 - November 09, 2009


We invite you to join Global Exchange Executive Director and Co-Founder, Kirsten Moller, for a very special delegation--our first "Fair Olive Harvest" Reality Tour.

Don't miss this one-time opportunity to engage with Kirsten about the connections between peace, economic and environmental justice in Palestine and Israel.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has ensued for sixty years, while Israel's forty year occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip is the longest in modern history. Travel to Palestine and Israel, and learn how fair trade cooperatives are restoring hope and providing economic alternatives to a population under occupation. Harvest olives with Fair Trade farmers, use organic farming practices, witness the community building strengths of Fair Trade cooperatives, and cultivate a greater appreciation of Palestinian traditions, food and people.

You will also discuss integral human rights issues with Palestinian and Israeli organizations, as well as observe first-hand the effects of occupation on the Palestinian economy, tourism and life. Learn how to help change the U.S.'s negative role in the conflict, and the benefits of supporting Palestinian Fair Trade products in the U.S. Resources from the trip will support self-sufficiency and promote solidarity between internationals and Palestinian farming communities.


Internationals at Olive Harvest Festival in Jenin, West Bank.

Program Highlights:

  • Harvest olives with fair trade farmers, using organic farming practices, in Sebistya and Jenin.
  • Join farming communities at Sebastiya's old stone olive press as families bring ripe olives in during the harvest.
  • Celebrate the Harvest Festival with internationals and the Jenin community, with folk music, and traditional Palestinian dance.
  • Share a traditional harvest meal in the olive orchard and meet community elders who will recount oral histories during the festival.
  • Meet with youth empowerment projects, such as the Jenin Freedom Theater and Project Hope in Nablus.
  • Visit Bedouin and refugee communities working on fair trade and empowerment projects.
  • See the Apartheid wall and how it effects towns and communities along its path.
  • Meet with Palestinian, Israeli and international human rights, media, direct-action, youth and relief organizations.
  • Read a sample itinerary

Cost: 1800.00

Price Includes:

  • Double room accommodations with host families and guesthouse
  • 2 meals/day (lunch excluded)
  • On-ground transportation
  • All program activities
  • Honoraria to all host speakers, organizations and communities
  • Trip leader(s), guide and translator
  • Reading materials
  • GX membership for one year
  • International airfare, tips and personal expenses are not included
  • Single room requests not typically granted. Please inquire with coordinator

How to Register:

We must receive your application and a non-refundable deposit of $400 two months before departure. A late fee of $50 will be applied to late applications. Payments by Mastercard or Visa are welcome.

This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, a limited number of partial scholarships are available for low-income applicants.

Make your reservation online now!

Contact Henry with any questions about this trip, or call toll-free 1-800-497-1994 ext. 251.

Trips on related issues:

  • Civil Rights
  • Environment and Sustainability
  • Fair Trade
  • Labor and Economy
  • Peace and Conflict