The struggle between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the West Bank over land is often visually evident during the annual fall olive harvesting season. Land ownership outside major cities is often legitimized by fruit-bearing trees. Olives are used for oil, pickles, and even for making soap, all important features in the Palestinian economy. Palestinian landowners cannot do all the harvesting, so local and sometimes international volunteers offer help. In some school districts, students are given days off for the harvesting season. Palestinian university students are given voluntary credit hours for helping during this season.
Well-known Palestinian artist Suleiman Mansour told Al-Monitor that since 1967 the olive tree became the symbol of Palestinian identity. “It represents steadfastness of the Palestinian people who are able to live under difficult circumstances in the same way that the tree can survive and has deep roots in their land so do the Palestinian people.” Mansour also said that parallel to this steadfastness the olive tree is a symbol of peace.
