Volume [8]
No. [1]
June 2011
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Volume [8]
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No. [1]
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June 2011
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Palestinian Olive Oil: Raising Money and Awareness
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| On March 27, 2011, NorCal ISM held
one of its most popular community functions, the olive oil bottling
party. The tradition began in 2003 and it binds the Northern California community in ways reminiscent of the way local communities are bound in Palestine. In both places, olive cultivation, harvesting, pressing and use are communal projects, where people eat and socialize together and renew their ties.  In Palestine, the community often owns the land, while individual families may own individual trees for hundreds or even thousands of years. An olive branch is the symbol of peace because such an offering is an invitation to plant and own something that will make the receiver a permanent member of the community. Trees are often given individual names, and become like a member of the family, outliving all the others.  The horror of losing such a precious possession is poorly understood by those who do not have the same attachment or sense of permanence. It is said that the king of Persia once asked a farmer why he was planting a tree that would not produce much fruit until after his lifetime. The response of the farmer was, ?hey planted, we eat. We plant, they will eat.” Sadly, millions of these and other fruit trees have been destroyed by Israeli forces, in their ongoing campaign to rid the land of Palestinians and their culture. Nevertheless, Palestinians continue to plant for future generations.  |
NorCal ISM participates in this
tradition by purchasing bulk olive oil,
zaatar (thyme) and soap from Palestine fair trade producers. Fair trade
costs more, but assures that the proceeds are reinvested in the
communities and that the farmers receive a fair price. The quality is
also the best organic extra virgin that Palestine can produce, and
Palestine has been renowned for thousands of years for the rich flavor
of its olive oil. We also buy kufiyyas (scarves) in both traditional
and newer designs from the last Palestinian factory still producing
them.  Our products are a wonderful way to raise money for the ISM in Palestine and to subsidize our volunteers who travel there. They also raise awareness. Our labels pull no punches about what is happening to Palestinians and their trees. They make wonderful gifts to friends and a memorable alternative to a bottle of wine.  . Our products are now available on line at www.norcalism.org/store.html, and we can ship them anywhere, thanks to a line of shipping materials that keeps them safe. Thanks to all of you who participate with your time and energy at our bottling parties and to those who buy our products. If you would like to receive a notice of our next party, please write to solidarity@norcalism.org |