Olive Tree Summer Logistics

For those of you interested in participating, here is the necessary information.

Keep in mind that our plans are flexible.

 Costs and Travel

Participants are responsible for their own travel. On the first day of the training/orientation, all team members are expected to reach a designated meeting point in Jerusalem. You are encouraged to use Guiding Star Travel, a travel agent in Palestine, or to locate fares in the New York Times Sunday Travel section.

The cost of food, lodging, and transportation for the nine days of each delegation is estimated at $320. This cost is very low and should allow for wide participation. However, everyone should have $200 extra on hand to deal with extra costs that may emerge. The costs and budgeting process will be transparent, and more precise details regarding costs will be compiled shortly before the delegation begins.

 Lodging

During the nine days of the delegation, participants will be moving around. The first evening, which is training and orientation, and the final evening will be spent in Jerusalem. The delegation will include a component of staying in people's houses in the West Bank. Some time will be spent in a 'peace encampment.' Other nights will be in guest houses/hostels. Some delegation participants have special needs that will prevent them being with the rest of the group for some nights; these will be addressed and dealt with in a manner that allows everyone to participate in the delegation. The Palestine Center for Rapprochement is working with us to arrange lodging for our time in the West Bank.

 Selection of Participants

If you wish to apply to Olive Tree Summer, please send a request to clenchner@foe.org. You will be sent an application. This application requires two references active in progressive circles who can vouch for your familiarity with the conflict, past efforts, and community relationships. Our goal is to ensure that all participants are able to work according to the stated goals of Olive Tree Summer.

 Medical Insurance

You need to have medical insurance that is valid for travel abroad and includes provisions for emergency care. Insurance will be checked during orientation.

 Legal Issues

You will receive a legal briefing in Jerusalem. Generally, participants will be risking arrest at all times because the army and border police may arrest you with or without provocation. However, past experience shows that those who are arrested are usually released within hours or the following day. Persons wishing not to get arrested usually have the chance to leave the area to avoid arrest. Persons arrested are generally allowed back to Israel. Many participants do not wish to get arrested at all during Olive Tree Summer and our intention is to respect this to the utmost in the planning of activities.