State of the World from NPR An Annual Ritual in the West Bank Now Under Threat
Nov 3, 2025
Daniel Estrin, an NPR foreign correspondent, takes us to the West Bank to explore the vital olive and date harvests and the threats they face. He shares harrowing accounts of Palestinian farmers facing violence and intimidation from Israeli settlers, detailing how these attacks disrupt their crucial harvest. Estrin highlights the rush to gather crops under military restrictions and the challenges of confrontations on village roads. He also spotlights women-led efforts in date packing, showcasing resilience amid adversity.
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Harvest Central To Palestinian Life
- Palestinian olive harvest is a yearly cultural and economic ritual central to villagers' lives and identity.
- Daniel Estrin reports that this season's harvest faces heightened threats from settler violence and intimidation.
Farmers Held Back By Soldiers
- Villagers waited at the hilltop while soldiers delayed passage, saying settlers were nearby and unsafe.
- Farmers described settlers spread across hills and an elderly woman being beaten while picking olives.
Spike In Settler Attacks On Groves
- The UN recorded a sharp rise in settler attacks and large-scale vandalism of olive trees this season.
- More than 100 attacks in 70 towns and over 4,000 trees and saplings were reported, making it the most dangerous season in five years.