Jenin: Farmers Get Access To Land 5 Times per Year

Farmers Get Access To Land "5 Times per Year"

[Tora Shakir, Jenin Region, West Bank]

On Tuesday, October 14, Palestinian farmers from the West Bank village of Tora Shakir near Jenin and international activists will peacefully march to a gate in the "Separation Wall" dividing them from their agricultural land and demand that they be allowed access. At the gate they will then establish a Peace Camp, where Palestinians and internationals will stay for three days. On the following day, Wednesday, October 15, farmers will attempt to pass through the gate and harvest olives.

Farmers in Tora Shakir have been told by the Israeli military that they will be permitted access to their land on only 5 days out of the entire year.

Local farmers and activists from Israel, the United States, Great Britain, Japan, Canada, Sweden, and Germany will assemble at the school in Tora Shakir at 11:30am, then at noon march to the Wall. At 12:30 they will hold a press conference at the gate.

The entire West Bank has been under lockdown since Wednesday, October 7, 2003 with no Palestinian vehicles allowed anywhere on main roads, gates to farmlands through the separation fence completely closed, and Palestinians not allowed outside their towns and villages. This lockdown is expected to remain in place until October 22, 2003. The siege was imposed less than two days after a complete closure, imposed on the Palestinian community while Jews celebrated Yom Kippur, was lifted. Despite this and persistent denial to Palestinians of access to their land, Palestinian farmers are determined to resist by making it to their fields.

The Peace Camp will seek to provide a presence of international observers and media against the threat of harassment by Israeli soldiers and settlers during the harvest, and to highlight the destructive effects of the Israeli "Security Wall" on the Palestinian economy and society. The harvest will begin on Wednesday the 15th, at which time all are invited to physically take part while continuing to maintain an international presence during this charged time. Israeli and international activists and journalists are particularly encouraged to join in this three-day camp-out. Bring what you would for a camping trip. Please be respectful of the local culture in choosing clothing.

Timeline:

October 14 11:30am: Assemble at the school in Tora Shakir 12:00pm: Peaceful march to gate and demonstration 12:30pm: Press Conference at gate October 15,16 Work with farmers harvesting olives October 14-16 Peace Camp

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