Rabbi Dov Lior Rules it Permissible for Jews to Harvest Palestinian-Planted Olives in West Bank
Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba
Rabbi Dov Lior has ruled that Jews may harvest olives from Palestinian-planted trees in the West Bank, asserting that the land was never legally acquired from the Jewish people. The ruling, issued before the olive harvest season, applies to groves even distant from Jewish settlements. Rabbi Lior cited Jewish law principles and a nationalistic argument that the harvest demonstrates Jewish ownership of the land and provides a security benefit.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Dov Lior ruled it permissible for Jews to harvest olives from Palestinian-planted trees in the West Bank.
- The ruling applies even to groves located far from Jewish settlements.
- Rabbi Lior's justification is that the land was never legally acquired from the Jewish people.
- He cited Jewish law principles and a nationalistic argument for demonstrating Jewish ownership.
- The ruling also stated the fruits are exempt from certain religious tithes.
- A security benefit was cited, deterring Arabs from approaching Jewish communities.
Rabbi Dov Lior has issued a religious ruling stating that it is permissible for Jews to harvest olives from trees planted by Palestinians in the West Bank, even in groves located far from Jewish settlements. The ruling, released ahead of the olive harvest season, is based on the argument that the land in the region was never legally acquired from the Jewish people and thus remains their property.
According to the halachic ruling, which responded to numerous inquiries about harvesting olives in Judea, Samaria, and Benjamin, Rabbi Lior explained that Jewish law considers land not to be stolen. Therefore, even if Palestinians are in actual possession of the area, ownership, he contends, remains with the Jewish people. He further stated that any compensation the planters might have received for planting the trees has already been fully compensated by the fruits they have consumed over the years, leading to the principle of "the land and its fruits return to their original owners."
Another justification provided in the ruling addresses situations where grove owners cannot access their land for security reasons. Rabbi Lior asserted that in such cases, the fruit is considered abandoned under Jewish law, making it permissible for use. The ruling also states that these fruits are exempt from the tithes of terumot and ma'aserot.
Beyond the religious arguments, Rabbi Lior presented a nationalistic rationale for the harvest. He stated that the Jewish people have never despaired of the Land of Israel, as expressed in daily prayers. He added that allowing Jewish harvesting, even in remote areas, helps deter Arabs from approaching Jewish communities and settlements in the region, offering a security benefit.
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