Zaytoun: An exploration of Palestine
In conversation with Zaytoun, at the 2008 Urban Green Fair in Brixton and in private, representing the commercial and humanitarian interests of the Palestinians, Atif Choudrey, an international volunteer, likened their plight to “death by a thousand cuts” because of the gradual destruction of their livelihoods. In a more recent interview he responded by saying that this has nothing to do with religion. When questioned further he went onto to say that ethnic cleansing has distorted history. Religious narrative is not sufficient enough to do this justice. Rather dehumanisation is the real narrative. It is obvious that curfews imposed by the Jews, and the segregation of Palestinian communities through the creation of a partition wall, are having an effect on the country likened to political and economic genocide. "Our life, our identity, is in the land – even our destiny," says Taysir Sadia Yaseen. "We won't leave it." There is now less than 12% of pre-1948 land titles left to the Palestinian inhabitants who have become “immigrants in our own land” explains Hamda Blilat. Taysir owned 1,000 olive trees before the fence had been built, which had been a family heirloom. What remains are 400, the other 600 are on the other side where he is not allowed access. As a Palestinian farmer he risks confiscation of equipment if he attempts to work his trees. (Excerpted from my dissertation now available in bounded fashion for £9/12 (members/non-mem). The full essay title is ‘If land economies are the ecological imperative of the rise of the modern environmental movement, may one find an historical precedent in the origins of Christianity?’. Contact editor for a copy.)
with Atif Choudrey
Zaytoun products are very much prevalent in most health food shops across the country. As an olive farmer myself I hope to offer some expertise on innovative techniques I am using in Catalonia when I go to volunteer. Not least I am there to learn also. I welcome group participation.
For more information click here and here for The Iron Wall, a video narrative directed by Mohammed Alatar, (2006).
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