Holy Land: Tree planting volunteers detained, buses confiscated

Volunteers listening to member of the community talk about the situation in their village. Image: RHR

Rabbis for Human Rights write: "On Friday morning, over 100 volunteers from across the country joined us for a planting day in Masafer Yatta, South Hebron Hills. In partnership with seven civil society and anti-occupation organizations, the day was a testament to the power solidarity.

"Together with the Palestinian community, who welcomed us onto their land, we planted hundreds of olive saplings-an act of resilience and hope.

"The day was jointly organized by Rabbis for Human Rights, Peace Now, Standing Together, Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAPPI), ZAZIM, and Looking the Occupation in the Eye.

"Yet, while the bus from Tel Aviv successfully passed through the checkpoint and reached the village, the buses from Haifa and Jerusalem were blocked by Israeli police orders restricting movement. These arbitrary orders, issued by a commander, determine who may or may not enter certain areas. At the same time, settler-led planting days inside Palestinian villages proceeded without interference.

At the end of the day, as volunteers returned to Israel, the buses were once again stopped at the checkpoint. Several activists were taken for questioning, bus drivers detained, and the buses confiscated.

"Israeli authorities consistently work to disrupt our efforts, preventing Israelis and Palestinians from coming together. The occupation relies on segregation to sustain itself. Solidarity defies this logic, offering a vision of a future built on mutual respect and shared existence.

"We refuse to back down. We will continue standing in solidarity with Palestinian communities in the West Bank, who live under occupation and face relentless settler violence.

"Our Planting Justice campaign continues every Friday until March 7. Support the effort - donate a tree today or join us on the ground if you're in the region!"

Read more about Rabbis for Human Rights: www.rhr.org.il/eng

Donate a Tree: https://tree-rhr.org/