Olive groves vandalised in Christian Palestinian village near Jerusalem

Settlers attacking olive groves near Taybeh - Image by Nabd El-Haya

Source: CAFOD

Israeli settlers are reported to have begun vandalising olive trees during the annual olive harvest season in the West Bank, according to a Catholic parish priest in the Christian town of Taybeh.

Fr Bashar Fawadleh leads a parish less than ten miles from Jerusalem, where Christian Palestinians are facing continuing attacks. He's written a letter describing the situation and appealing for help.

Maya Street, CAFOD Middle East Programme Officer, said: "Our partners are repeatedly sounding the alarm on the increasing violence and restrictions in the West Bank during the olive harvest. In the Christian town of Taybeh, the entire community is facing significant loss.

"Families in the village rely on the income from the harvest each year, and yet they are cut off from their own land or watch as settlers uproot trees and attack livestock. This not an isolated occurrence. It forms part of an increasing pattern of violence against Palestinians, and their land and heritage.

"Last month, the UK government drew attention to rampant 'settler terrorism' and settlement expansion in the West Bank. It announced a ban on settlement trade and further sanctions against violent settlers. Palestinians in Taybeh are urgently reminding us why this cannot wait."

Statement of concern from Fr Bashar Fawadleh, Taybeh parish

Olive harvest, land access and the families of Taybeh

Dear friends,

I write to you with sadness and growing concern for the people of Taybeh, our Christian village in the West Bank.

During this year's olive harvest, many families have faced serious difficulties accessing their land. In some areas, olives have been stolen and trees damaged, reducing a harvest that is essential for the livelihood of our community.

For generations, olive trees have provided not only income, but also a deep connection to our history, our heritage, and the land on which our families have lived for centuries. The olive harvest is both an economic necessity and an important expression of our identity and perseverance.

This year, the losses have been particularly painful. Many families will produce far less olive oil than they need for their own households. Some who have spent their lives caring for these trees may now find themselves unable to rely on the fruits of their own land.

We are deeply concerned about the impact this situation will have on families who are already facing significant challenges. Every lost harvest places additional pressure on people striving to remain on their land and preserve their way of life.

We therefore ask for your solidarity and your prayers. Please help raise awareness of these difficulties and encourage all those with influence and responsibility to support the protection of farmers, ensure safe access to agricultural land, and help prevent further damage.

Your support, your voice, and your friendship are a source of encouragement. They remind the people of Taybeh that they are not forgotten and that they do not stand alone in these challenging times.

With gratitude and prayers,

Fr Bashar Fawadleh
Latin Parish Priest of Taybeh, Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

LINKS

See a video of Israeli settlers vandalising olive groves: https://x.com/IhabHassane/status/2061469916151030096

Read more about CAFOD's work in the Holy Land: https://cafod.org.uk/campaign/justice-and-peace-in-the-holy-land