“The land is our mother; she nurtures us with her wounds and her blessings.”

– Fadwa Tuqan

Every year, the olive harvest season brings both hope and hardship for Palestinian farmers, especially in Areas B and C where settler violence peaks. In response, Holy Land Trust has launched the Olive Harvest Protection Project — a rapid, community-centered initiative that promotes nonviolence, protection, and dignity through practical tools and training. Supported by the Adam Smith International, this project provides early, tangible interventions while preparing for the broader Community Emergency Preparedness Pilot .

Through a newly formed Technical Working Group that includes Holy Land Trust, local civil society organizations, subject-matter experts, representatives from the Palestinian Authority Security Forces (PASF) , and the Palestinian Civil Defense (PCD) , best practices are being developed on de-escalation, nonviolent communication, and effective documentation. These guidelines will be introduced in community awareness sessions co-led by Holy Land Trust, PASF, and PCD, helping farmers and volunteers apply structured, peaceful methods during the harvest.

By mobilizing local volunteer teams — including youth and women leaders — and providing rapid-response support such as transport, first aid, and incident documentation, this initiative ensures immediate protection in the fields. More importantly, it rebuilds trust between communities and institutions and reinforces solidarity at a time when farmers face growing risks.

The project’s lessons will feed into future national training and preparedness programs, ensuring that protection, dignity, and resilience take root alongside every olive tree harvested.

Empowering Military Officers with Psychological Awareness Tools

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote psychological awareness within Palestinian institutions , Holy Land Trust delivered a specialized training for participants of the 35th Officers Qualification Course, in collaboration with the International Center for Strategic and Settlement Studies , targeting the Military Training Authority of the Palestinian Security Forces in Jericho city.

The training was facilitated by trainer and psychotherapist Issa Al-Hayek, and focused on understanding trauma and its impact on performance and leadership under pressure. The session reflected Holy Land Trust’s vision to build more self-aware, resilient leaders capable of facing challenges through a holistic and human-centered approach.

Holy Land Trust extends its appreciation to the Military Training Authority and the International Center for Strategic and Settlement Studies for their collaboration, trust, and openness to integrating psychological awareness into leadership development.

Awareness is the beginning, transformation is a responsibility

As the olive harvest season reminds us of endurance and rootedness, we also long for the day when peace returns and life in Palestine can thrive again. Holy Land Trust continues to protect dignity in the fields, empower communities, and build resilience amid uncertainty. Yet, lasting stability will only come when the war ends, when hope is restored, and when visitors once again walk the streets of Bethlehem, supporting local families through tourism and fair trade.

Your support today helps us bridge that journey — from protection to peace, from trauma to hope.

When peace returns, we want to welcome the world back to Bethlehem. Your support today helps keep that dream alive.

Said Durzi Zarzar,

TRAVEL & ENCOUNTER PROGRAM MANAGER

We chose “Growth” for October to symbolize resilience — despite ongoing challenges, we continue expanding our impact, nurturing hope, empowering communities, and transforming trauma into hope, strength and renewal.

Holy Land Trust

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