Morocco Funds Olive Harvest Support Campaign in Jerusalem

The Jerusalem Development Fund (Bayt Mal Al-Quds Al-Sharif), affiliated with the Jerusalem Committee chaired by King Mohammed VI, launched the "Awnah" campaign on Tuesday to support olive harvesters in Jerusalem during the 2026 season. The initiative is backed by Moroccan contributions from the Moroccan Association for Support of Construction in Palestine and the Fes community. Agency teams began distributing tools and equipment to beneficiary farmers for the seventh consecutive year at the Jerusalem Governorate headquarters in Al-Ram, north of Jerusalem, attended by representatives from the Governorate and the Jerusalem Directorate of Agriculture. Approximately 2,250 farmers across 20 areas in the Jerusalem Governorate, including 16 agricultural gates, will benefit from the campaign, which provides supplies to accelerate harvesting, improve product quality, and preserve crops. This year's campaign is particularly crucial due to "difficult circumstances faced by farmers, especially olive growers, who encounter obstacles in accessing their lands and disruptions to their work due to repeated attacks by settlers under the protection of occupation soldiers." The Jerusalem Development Fund stated that the "Awnah" campaign is part of its programs aimed at supporting Jerusalem's residents and enhancing their resilience, particularly small farmers, enabling them to continue their agricultural activities and preserve their production, under the directives of King Mohammed VI, Chairman of the Jerusalem Committee. The agency emphasized that supporting farmers and the agricultural sector is a key area of its intervention in Jerusalem, translating royal directives to mobilize available resources for the city and its people through practical programs that meet their needs and strengthen their resilience. Faihaa Najm, Director General of Agriculture for the Jerusalem Governorate, highlighted that the campaign's importance is amplified this year due to unprecedented attacks on the olive harvest season, with over 87 farmers attacked in areas like Jaba, Beit Anan, Silwan, and Abu Dis. Over 70 farmers in Mikhmas face difficulties accessing their lands for harvesting. The campaign includes providing mechanical harvesting machines powered by long-lasting batteries, along with mats and bags for collecting, preserving, and transporting olives quickly, thereby reducing the time crops remain in fields and limiting theft. Najm confirmed these tools will assist farmers in completing the harvest and praised the ongoing support from the Jerusalem Development Fund. Tahani Al-Luzi, Advisor to the Governor of Jerusalem, stated the campaign extends to various areas within and around the separation barrier, aiming to support Jerusalemite farmers, reinforce their steadfastness, and preserve the olive tree as a symbol of identity, heritage, and livelihood. On behalf of Governor Adnan Ghaith, Al-Luzi expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his support and praised the Moroccan-Palestinian partnership. Muwaffaq Al-Khateeb, Head of the Northwest Jerusalem Unit, noted the equipment accelerates and facilitates harvesting, especially amid attacks on olive trees, thanking Morocco and the Jerusalem Development Fund for their sustained support. Hamza Awaisat from the Al-Sawahra Al-Sharqiya Municipality called the campaign timely, providing essential tools for Palestinian farmers and thanking the Jerusalem Development Fund as the main supporter. Medhat Al-Jamel, Mayor of Beit Surik, commended the cooperation and support from the Jerusalem Governorate and the Jerusalem Development Fund, encouraging farmers to maintain their land and connection to olive trees, and expressed hope for expanded support to include agricultural development. Farmer Abdel Halim Hamza from Qalandia Town, a beneficiary, thanked Morocco and the Jerusalem Development Fund, stating the equipment will aid his harvest. The "Awnah" campaign follows previous initiatives by the Jerusalem Development Fund, including the "Sumud" project in January 2026, which benefited 250 farmers, and the field schools project launched in November 2025 to enhance farmers' practical skills.