Keep Hope Alive — 2023 Olive Tree Planting Trip
Keep Hope Alive — 2023 Olive Tree Planting Trip
Friday, February 3
Day 1
Depart U.S.
Saturday, February 4
Day 2
Arrival in Tel Aviv. Transport to Bethlehem. Meeting representatives from the organizing institutions for an overview and discussion of the program. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Sunday, February 5
Day 3
Guided tour of Bethlehem: sightseeing, introduction to the town, wall, refugee camp tour, old city, and Church of Nativity. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Monday, February 6
Day 4
Half-day tree planting at a selected field, followed by presentation on refugee questions and ongoing displacement with BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugees' Rights. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Tuesday, February 7
Day 5
Visiting East Jerusalem: a tour in the Old City of Jerusalem including visits to the main sites. Lunch. Guided tour to witness settlements, home demolitions and bedouins around Jerusalem with Israeli activist. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Wednesday, February 8
Day 6
Drive to Ramallah, visit Arafat Tomb and the Palestine Museum, tour in the center of Ramallah, and free time for lunch. Drive to Rawabi for a visit and a possible meeting with one of the persons in charge. On the way back to Bethlehem, pass by Taybeh village and visit the Taybeh Brewery. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Thursday, February 9
Day 7
Half-day tree planting at a selected field, followed by lunch. Geopolitical presentation for a presentation on the Apartheid Wall, colonies (settlements) and land confiscation. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Friday, February 10
Day 8
Half-day tree planting at a selected field, lunch included. Afternoon advocacy and future work session with Joint Advocacy Initiative. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Saturday, February 11
Day 9
Visit to the Palestine Museum of Natural History with Dr. Mazin Qumsieh. A tour in the old city of Hebron: Visiting the Ibrahimi Mosque. Guided tour in Hebron old city, market, H1/H2 areas, Shuhada Street. Visiting a keffiyeh and glass factory. Free time. Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.
Sunday, February 12
Day 10
Half-day tree planting at a field. Lunch. Evaluation session. Farewell dinner with Palestinian Folklore Dance Performance. Overnight in Bethlehem.
Monday, February 13
Day 11
Departure from Tel Aviv. Arrive in U.S.
Includes:
- Accommodations in a double room in a hotel in Beit Sahour;
- All meals;
- Transportation from the airport to Bethlehem and back;
- Local transportation to all sites (including travel and guide fees associated with travel to Ramallah, Rawabi, and Taybeh Brewery);
- Tour guide present with the group at all times for facilitation purposes.
Double Occupancy without Airfare: $1200/person
($300 Single Supplement)
Deposit Required to Secure Participation: $500
Estimated Cost of Round Trip Airfare to Tel Aviv: $1200-1500
Total Estimated Costs: $2,400/person
Palestinian communities are committed to rebuilding their society after years of military occupation — without the use of violence. Olive grove cultivation is an integral part of the Palestinian culture and economy. Restoring olive groves destroyed by Israeli settlers and armed forces helps reduce the economic losses caused by occupation policies. Equally important is the opportunity to affirm Palestinian dignity, foster a sense of community and strengthen a commitment to work constructively toward peace-building.
Questions? Contact:
Rev. Dr. Ronald Shive: 336-263-1884,
ronald.shive@gmail.com
Rev. Dr. Jeff DeYoe: 386-793-1412,
Send payments to: First Presbyterian Church, 72
Kensington Road, San Anselmo, CA94960, memo:
Acct# 212 KHA Trip, Attn: Laurie Buntain