Invitation to Palestine [Oct' - Nov' 2008]

international | miscellaneous | event notice Saturday September 06, 2008 11:39 by Mac Ghobhainn - Visit Palestine visitpalestine at yahoo dot co dot uk

Olive Picking Program 2008

We very much hope you can assist with publicity for the forthcoming trip to Palestine. All supporters of Palestinian freedom welcome to join us.The trip will be an opportunity for those who have expressed solidarity over the years of the Intifada to participate working alongside Palestinian farmers and their families as well as social, cultural and political events.
Mac Ghobhainn (Visit Palestine group)
http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/

Dear friends, Olive Picking Program 2008

The JAI, in cooperation with the Alternative Tourism Group (ATG), is organizing the Olive Picking Program 2008, hence inviting people from all over the world to join.The 10 day trips full itinerary is below and apart from olive picking, shall consist of a fantastic alternative travel destination for 'the adventurist'. FULL details below including the cost (payable upon arrival in Bethlehem)

Contact visitpalestine@yahoo.co.uk for booking details and registration form. Photos of last years olive harvest program can be viewed here: http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/picturesoctober2...7.htm

On line itinerary to be book marked here:http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/ Accomodation which is included in the price is for 10 nights stay with choice of Hotel or with a family on a full board basis.

By all means look through the itinerary. If you wish to Visit Palestine e mail for a registration form or if travelling from Britain / Ireland or anywhere else and require assistance, e mail visitpalestine@yahoo.co.uk

For the fifth season, the Joint Advocacy Initiative of East Jerusalem Palestine (JAI) and the Alternative Tourism Group (ATG) are organizing the annual Olive Picking Program in Palestine which will take place from the 25th of October to the 3rd of November 2008. This agricultural event is of special significance to the Palestinian economy when all energies and efforts are mobilized. Building on experience from previous years, JAI and ATG have planned a program for civil international solidarity with Palestinian people and farmers. The objective of this program is to mobilize international volunteers to assist in picking olives in fields that are situated in proximity of Israeli settlements and bypass roads. In these areas, an international presence is often needed in order to help Palestinian farmers to access their olive groves which are in danger of being confiscated. Besides picking olives, the program will feature introductory presentations about the current situation in Palestine and the effect of the Apartheid Wall, tours in the Old City of Jerusalem, in Bethlehem and Hebron, in addition to cultural events and social gatherings. Olive Picking Program 2008 proposed schedule*:

Day One - Saturday 25/10/2008: Arrival at the airport and transfer to Bethlehem to meet representatives from the organizing institutions for an overview and discussion of the program.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day Two - Sunday 26/10/2008: Half day picking olives at a selected field.
After lunch, political tour and sightseeing in Bethlehem, including the visit of a refugee camp. Followed by the screening of a documentary at Jadal / Alternative Information Center (AIC).
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day Three - Monday 27/10/2008: Half day picking olives at a selected field, followed by lunch.
Meeting at ARIJ (Applied Research Institute Jerusalem) for a presentation on the Apartheid Wall and land confiscation. Visiting an olive press.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day Four Tuesday 28/10/2008: Tour in the Old City of Jerusalem.
Welcome and lunch at the YWCA headquarters in Jerusalem followed by a settlement tour around Jerusalem with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD).
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day Five - Wednesday 29/10/2008: A tour in the old city of Hebron through the market and how it is affected by Israeli settlers. Meeting with the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee. Lunch followed by a half day picking olives at a selected field.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day Six - Thursday 30/10/2008: Free Day (optional olive picking or tours)

Day Seven - Friday 31/10/2008: Olive picking at a selected field with lunch.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem.

Day Eight - Saturday 01/11/2008: Half day picking olives at a selected field.
Meeting with representatives from the Joint Advocacy Initiative of the East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine.
Dinner followed by an optional presentation on the refugee questions with BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugees' Rights
Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day Nine - Sunday 02/11/2008: Half day picking olives at a field. Evaluation meeting with institutions representatives followed by a musical evening and farewell dinner with staff members and volunteers.
Overnight in Bethlehem.

Day Ten Monday 03/11/2008: Transfer to the airport for departure.

* Proposed Schedule is subjected to minor changes.
More Information:
The cost of the 10 days program including accommodation, all meals, and local transportation is £310:00 (620 USD.)
Accommodation (in double rooms) will be arranged at a hotel close to Bethlehem or with a local family (Choice of either).
A tour guide will be present with the group at all times for facilitation purposes.
Travel from and to the airport is not included in the cost but can be arranged for groups..........

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