Season:
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2022-2023
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Governorate:
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Jerusalem
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Locality:
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Beit Surik
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Address:
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Marah Salih
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Mahmoud Ibrahim Abdel-Wahhab, is a 66 years old Palestinian farmer, the owner of two dunums (0.5 acres) of land in Beit Surik and has eight family members. Land and olive trees, according to Mahmoud, are essential symbols of Palestinian identity, culture, and heritage. Land symbolizes Palestinians' historical ties to their homeland as well as their deep connection to the earth. The olive tree, in particular, is held in high regard as a sacred tree that has sustained Palestinian communities for generations. It is a source of food and income as well as a symbol of peace, resilience, and resistance. The Olive Tree Campaign gave him 50 olive trees to help him stay on his land.
Beit Surik is a Palestinian town located about 9.3 km to the northwest of Jerusalem City. As per the 2007 census, the town had a population of 3,505, residing in 629 households across 649 housing units. The town covers an area of about 5,778 dunums (1428 acres), with 3,731 dunums (922 acres) of arable. Despite this, the agricultural sector in Beit Surik is facing multiple challenges, including restricted access to land due to the presence of the Israeli apartheid separation wall, limited water sources and lack of markets. Over the years, Israel has confiscated 456 dunams (113 acres) of land from Beit Surik for the construction of the Israeli colony (settlement) of 'Har Adar'.
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