FULL itinerary 2009 -

Invitation to olive picking [Palestine, October 2009]
(Starting Saturday 17th October 2009 for 10 days / 9 nights)

Olive Picking Program 2009

The JAI, in cooperation with the Alternative Tourism Group (ATG), is organizing the Olive Picking Program 2009, 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 musical events, political tours and cultural events.

FULL details below including the cost (payable upon arrival in Bethlehem )
Contact  visitpalestine@yahoo.co.uk for booking details and registration form.

Photos from the 2007 and 2008 olive harvest programs can be viewed here:  http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/apps/photos/

On line itinerary to be book marked here:

 http://www.freewebs.com/visitpalestine/oliveharvestoctober2009.htm

Accommodation which is included in the price is for 9 nights at the Sahara Hotel or with a family on a full board basis.

By all means look through the itinerary. If you wish to Visit Palestine and if traveling from Britain / Ireland or anywhere else and require assistance, e mail

 visitpalestine@yahoo.co.uk

The Joint Advocacy Initiative of East Jerusalem of Palestine (JAI) and the Alternative Tourism Group (ATG) are organizing the annual Olive Picking Program in Palestine which will take place from the 17th of October 2009 for 10 days / 9 nights. 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 Political, cultural events and social gatherings.

Olive Picking Program 2009 *:

· Day One - Saturday 17/10/2009: Arrival. Meeting representatives from the organizing institutions for an overview and discussion of the program.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem .

· Day Two - Sunday 18/10/2009: Half day picking olives at a selected field.
After lunch, political tour and sightseeing in Bethlehem , including the visit of a refugee camp. Dinner, followed by screening of a documentary at Jadal / Alternative Information Center (AIC)
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem

· Day Three - Monday 19/10/2009: Half day picking olives at a selected field, followed by lunch.
Meeting at The Applied Research Institute Jerusalem (ARIJ) for a presentation on the Apartheid Wall and land confiscation. Visiting an olive press
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem .

· Day Four - Tuesday 20/10/2009: Tour in the Old City of Jerusalem .
Lunch, followed by a settlement tour around Jerusalem with the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD).
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem .

· Day Five - Wednesday 21/10/2009: free day.

· Day Six - Thursday: 22/10/2009: A tour in the old city of Hebron . Visiting the Ibrahimi Mosque. Meeting with the Hebron Rehabilitation Committee (HRC) for a presentation about the situation in Hebron .
Lunch. Visiting a glass factory. Free time
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem .

· Day Seven - Friday 23/10/2009: a full day of picking olives at a selected field, lunch included.
Dinner and overnight in Bethlehem .

· Day Eight - Saturday 24/10/2009: Half day picking olives at a selected field.
Dinner followed by a presentation on the refugee questions with BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugees' Rights
Overnight in Bethlehem .

· Day Nine - Sunday 25/10/2009: Half day picking olives at a field. Lunch
Evaluation meeting with institutions' representatives, followed by a musical evening.
Overnight in Bethlehem .

· Day Ten - Monday 26/10/2009: 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 $620 USD, or equivalent in your local currency. Please note that your local currency equivalent may vary depending on the state of the international exchange rates at any given time.
* 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.................

For further information, questions, concerns, or to request a registration form, please contact:

 visitpalestine@yahoo.co.uk