In Palestine, the month of October means olive picking time!
BY ASMAA ELKHALDI
The cedar tree is the symbol of Lebanon, the palm tree for Saudi Arabia, and the olive tree is undoubtedly the definition of Palestine! The olive tree is special for any Palestinian – its deep rooted branches tell the story of Palestine. It stands still as a witness of all occasions and eras that have passed on this holy land.
And currently we’re in the month of October – which is the perfect time to go pick olives!
A national treasure of our country, over 9 million olive trees dot Palestine. When our peeps travel abroad they never forget to pack Palestinian olives, and a delicious bottle of oil too. The trees and their branches have a storied part in the country's narrative and her beautiful culture, especially during this time of year. Since the season just came around, we couldn't help but to share with you the beauty of the harvest. SUPPORT US AND OUR DELICIOUS OLIVES!
Khaldi Twins , Check us out on Instagram @KhaldiTwins ???Posted by Khaldi Twins on Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Olive harvesting has always been a social event for Palestinians. People will go help their friends and neighbours, sing traditional songs, and remember their ancestors whose lives were spent under these olive trees’ shades, leaving them as a legacy for the younger generation.
Women, youngsters, kids all hand pick as many olives as they can, which will then be pickled or readied to be pressed and made into one of the best olive oils in the world.
In the West Bank and Gaza, there are about 9 million olive trees, planted on around 45% of the agricultural land. Gaza produces different varieties of olives – such as the Surri, Chemlali and K18. Nothing in the world beats a breakfast crowned by Palestinian olives and Palestinian Za’tar (thyme) immersed in the Palestinian olive oil.
For us, the olive tree is more than just a tree. It shares all what Palestinians pass through and this is the reason beyond our eternal connection with it. It’s a shared symbol of what Palestinians endure.
IN PICTURES: Jewish-Israelis assisting Palestinians during olive harvest in the West Bank
