U.S. Jewish Women Face Deportation After Olive Harvest Solidarity Efforts in West Bank

Two Jewish-American women, participating in a four-month educational program with the Solidarity of Nations – Achvat Amim organization, are facing deportation from Israel after being detained while volunteering to help Palestinian olive growers in the northern West Bank. The women were part of a group of eleven activists who attempted to reach the village of Burin, which had been declared a closed military zone by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on October 16. Upon their arrival, they were intercepted by the IDF and taken to Ramle immigration prison following a deportation hearing.

Times of IsraelIsrael to deport two US Jewish women who volunteered at West Bank olive harvestHaaretzHaaretz

The olive harvest season in the West Bank has become increasingly fraught with tension, particularly this year, marked by heightened violence against Palestinian farmers. Reports indicate that Israeli settlers have engaged in aggressive actions, including cutting down olive trees and attacking farmers. The NGOs involved, Solidarity of Nations and Rabbis for Human Rights, have been facilitating volunteer efforts to support Palestinian farmers during this critical period. However, the IDF has imposed restrictions, declaring multiple areas as closed military zones to limit access for activists.

Times of Israel

Becca Strober, a spokesperson for Solidarity of Nations, criticized the IDF's actions, stating, “This couldn’t be farther away from justice and legal logic, that the police are focusing their efforts on arresting those picking olives rather than those carrying out the extreme violence happening right now.” The NGOs expressed concern that the deportation decision reflects a broader trend of silencing nonviolent human rights work and dissenting voices within Israel-Palestine.

Times of Israel

The decision to deport the two women has drawn criticism from various groups, including Rabbis for Human Rights, which highlighted the alarming trend of suppressing nonviolent activism. The organization emphasized that the deportation of volunteers undermines efforts to support Palestinian farmers amid escalating violence. Eyewitness accounts have documented numerous instances of settler aggression during the olive harvest, with little accountability for the perpetrators.

Times of Israel

While the IDF has not provided a detailed response regarding the deportation, reports indicate that the situation surrounding the olive harvest has led to numerous clashes between settlers and activists. There have been at least eight documented settler attacks during this harvest season, with foreign volunteers frequently caught in the crossfire. Additionally, over 30 foreign volunteers were previously deported for similar reasons earlier in October.

Israel to deport two US Jewish women who volunteered at West Bank olive harvest

• “The decision to deport these volunteers reflects an alarming trend of silencing nonviolent human rights work and Jewish voices for justice in Israel-Palestine.” — Solidarity of Nations and Rabbis for Human Rights

• “We operate legally and without violence, and it is a shame that the police and the army wasted an entire day removing people who came to stand by the side of people under attack.” — Becca Strober, Solidarity of Nations

Times of Israel

The deportation of the two U.S. Jewish women underscores the complexities and tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly as it relates to international solidarity efforts during the olive harvest.

Haaretz