Bethlehem – The “As Long as Thyme and Olive Trees Remain” campaign for 2025 was implemented by SFI in partnership with the Youth Partnership Forum, across several towns in the southern part of Bethlehem Governorate. The campaign aimed to support farmers during the olive harvest season, strengthen their steadfastness in the face of settler attacks, and reaffirm the deep connection to the land and Palestinian identity.

The campaign began on its first day in the Tuqu'/Al-Minya area, where a number of youth volunteers joined landowners whose lands are repeatedly targeted by settlers, in a scene that embodied the spirit of resilience and belonging to the land.

On the second day, the campaign continued in the town of Husan, with broad youth participation in assisting farmers in harvesting olives, fostering an atmosphere of teamwork and solidarity. Participants emphasized the importance of youth engagement in supporting the steadfastness of villages threatened by land confiscation.

The third and final day took place in Thabra village in Wadi Rahal, south of Bethlehem, where the activities concluded with the active participation of volunteers who worked side by side with farmers—once again affirming their commitment to the land despite daily challenges and violations.

The participating volunteers highlighted the importance of such initiatives in enhancing youth participation, promoting resilience, and strengthening the values of volunteerism, noting that these activities deepen young people’s connection to their land and support farmers in facing occupation and settler practices.

This campaign comes as part of ongoing efforts to promote the spirit of volunteer work and support Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest season, which stands as a symbol of steadfastness and national belonging.

Organizers concluded by stressing the importance of continuing such initiatives that connect young people to their land and reinforce the values of resilience and peaceful popular resistance, affirming that the olive tree will remain a lasting symbol of the unbreakable bond between Palestinians and their homeland.