WHAT IS OLIVE ODYSSEY?
Olive Odyssey is a Palestinian collaboration and heart-driven endeavor to bring the culture and rich heritage of Palestinian farmers and their olive oil to the world. Their aspiration is to open up a gateway for Palestinian farmers to connect with people around the world and tell their story through their olive trees and olive oil.
My favorite part about them is their commitment to the land and how that weaves into their connection to the soul. Their cornerstone is organic cultivation, so they believe in allowing nature to work its magic. Their farmers abstain from artificial interventions, cultivating olive trees in harmony with the rhythms of the land. This commitment, however, comes at a cost; during dry seasons, production might dip, but they are always devoted to preserving traditional methods.
Their steel drum and ancient millstone methods ensure the highest quality and preserving age old methods. They stand against the dominance of industrial processes, striving to empower small-scale growers and restore value to their land.
“Our roots are entwined with Palestine's soil, and every member of our collective carries this deep connection. Born and raised in this land, we consider ourselves a family – a family that extends beyond borders to encompass every farmer, every enthusiast, and every plate our olive oil graces.”
-Founder, Aya and Amir, of Olive Odyssey
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF OLIVE TREES TO PALESTINIANS?
Olive trees have been cultivated in Palestine for thousands of years, with evidence of groves and olive oil practices dating as far back as 3600 BCE! The olive tree is a symbol of Palestinians rootedness & connection to their land & has been a major source of income for centuries.HARVEST: The most important and special time for many Palestinians is the months of olive oil harvest. It is a celebration of their intricate relationship and connection to the land. Many farmers rely entirely on this harvest for their livelihoods, and "source of life". They gather extended family and friends to share cooked food, tea, and music under the olive trees - and of course, pick olives!
HOW HAS THE OCCUPATION AFFECTED FARMERS?
Since the occupation, Israeli forces have been targeting olive trees "as a primary form of land acquisition and began to uproot Palestinian olive trees in 1967, with an estimated 830,000 olive trees uprooted between 1967 and 2009." Today, that number is closer to one million olive trees.This violence has been ongoing, and the occupation, as well as illegal Israeli settlers have destroyed, burned, and uprooted 700-1,000 year old trees in order to build walls, roads, and illegal settlements. This continues to cause enormous hardships for farmers and Palestinian families that have been separated from their land.
In addition, with the world's focus on Gaza at this time, West Bank settlers have used this devastation and media coverage in Gaza as a cover for violence and dispossession for their Palestinian neighbors. Setting fire to their homes, kicking in their doors, breaking windows, burning their trees, and even causing direct violence and death to these farmers.
WHAT IS THE YFE X OO COLLAB?
Through Olive Odyssey, we are honored to receive olive oil from 7 different Palestinian farmers located throughout Palestine who have olive trees that they have tended to for generations. We will be making a special lotion batch with each of their oil and each farmer will be special featured! With each purchase, you'll receive a farmers card getting to know the farmer that created the olive oil in your jar, as well as getting to know the land their trees reside in. In addition to your purchase, we will also be donating funds to a Palestinian organization that we LOVE.
By supporting and learning from Palestinian makers, collectives, and farmers, we're able to sustain their way of life and culture, protect their livelihoods and fight against an occupation trying to erase them.