The struggle for food access continues in Gaza where millions of Palestinians are still struggling to find the nourishment they so desperately need as the Israeli government continues to restrict aid.

It is now olive harvest season in the West Bank, which reminds us that the struggle for food access extends beyond the borders of Gaza. The olive harvest is a generations-long tradition that provides steady income and stability for thousands of Palestinian families. This year, like far too many before it, the harvest is happening in dire conditions. Israeli settlers have led dozens of violent attacks against Palestinians attempting to harvest olives, leaving farmers unable to access their trees. Volunteers attempting to help with the harvest have been attacked, arrested, and even deported, including Jewish volunteers. 

Please consider integrating some learning and attention to Palestinian olive farmers in the West Bank as part of your Chanukah programming.

First — to get involved - please fill out this form.

Here are ways your congregation / organization can participate:

1. Purchase Palestinian olive oil! You can source it locally if you know where, or you can order from these organizations with relationships with Palestinian olive farmers. Zatoun - case of 12 500mL ($330) ; Equal Exchange - case of six 500mL ($85) ; MECA - Single bottle 750mL ($28) or case of six 750mL ($145). If you are able to order cases you can do a sale of the oil at your Chanukah celebration.

2. Source an oil-burning menorah so you can use the Palestinian olive oil during your community candle lighting. Convert an existing menorah into an oil menorah: Ner Mitzvah (NY-based company) - Example; or make-your-own oil menorah: How-to 1 & How-to 2.

3. Print and hand out copies of the Jews for Food Aid campaign Chanukah Handout (Coming soon!). This handout will include:

   -A new blessing to add to your candlelighting ritual

   -Information about the olive harvest in the West Bank and its cultural and political significance

   -Jewish texts on the connection between olives and Hannukah

   -A QR code to give tzedakah to Palestinian olive farmers

   -And more!

4. Support the Chanukah tzedakah campaign for Palestinian olive farmers.