Greetings, with an olive branch in hand, from an orchard outside Bethlehem in the West Bank. I'm spending the day with Israeli and Palestinian activists on another "Protective Presence" shift, standing in solidarity with Palestinian farmers with necessary defense from the increasing attacks by violent Jewish settlers.

But I'm not writing today to share upsetting updates from the front lines. I'm writing to invite you to be part of the prospects for peace, justice, and hope—to join or support a powerful project happening this fall season: 

PROTECT THE HARVEST

As we step into the High Holy Day season—a time of reflection and repair, searching for the "holy shifts" that can heal our lives—we can also ask: How do we transform the intentions, prayers, and wishes of these holy days into tangible, living action? How do we meet this delicate and painful historical moment with our whole selves?

There are multiple ways to rise up for justice—everywhere.

As the Co-Chair of the board of Rabbis for Human Rights, I invite you to join me in Israel and Palestine this October to take part in the olive harvest. Following the High Holy Days — when I'll be with you all in NYC — I'll travel there for the week of the upcoming Israeli elections. It's going to be dramatic!

Here's what, why, and how:

Since October 7th, and especially in recent months, settler violence has escalated across the West Bank. Our presence, support, solidarity, and moral witness are needed more urgently than ever to help prevent further harm and be part of strategic and moral repair.

This call requires valiant volunteers who can show up with eyes wide open to the complexities on the ground and sleeves rolled up to help harvest olives.

The olive harvest is an annual tradition that goes back centuries. In recent years, in response to violent attacks that prevent Palestinian farmers from safely harvesting their orchards, it's become a necessary opportunity for critical support from volunteers. Hundreds of volunteers show up each year—mostly Israelis along with some international visitors. This year, we want to double those numbers.

Rabbis for Human Rights has led this olive harvest solidarity work for decades. It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to work with this growing team of activists, support this annual tradition, and advocate for justice all year round.

Every olive matters—and every day offers a way of giving dignity and hope a chance, staying rooted in the healing power of this holy land: its trees, its soil, and its people.

This year, more than ever, more of us need to show up.

Protect the Harvest is a new initiative of several organizations partnering to amplify work on the ground, bringing more volunteers from abroad over the course of a month.

That's where you come.

I will be part of a dedicated harvest group during the week of October 25–October 30, 2026, and I invite you to join me.

Why does this specific week matter? It coincides with the Israeli elections—a historic moment of deep national and global consequence. The harvest will be based in villages near Bethlehem or Jerusalem. Our days will be spent working side-by-side with local families and other activists in the groves, harvesting olives, and sharing meals.

Beyond the agricultural work, we will also participate in daily learning, spiritual rituals, and public events designed to help us make sense of the political momentum unfolding around us during this season—and on election week.

Please rest assured that safety is a top concern. Should conditions worsen, our plans will adjust accordingly. In every scenario, the specific olive groves chosen for our harvest work are selected with the utmost priority placed on security, logistics, and protective coordination.

What You Will Experience:

  • Hands-on Solidarity: Support Palestinian farming communities during their most culturally and economically vital season.
  • Deep Cultural Exchange: Share meals, stories, and non-violent advocacy workshops alongside local partners.
  • A Powerful Coalition: Protect the Harvest is a joint effort co-led by Rabbis for Human Rights, New Israel Fund, Combatants for Peace, Achvat Amim, MEJDI Tours, and other organizations.

How You Can Participate:

  • Join Me in Person: Sign up for the October 25–30 week with me (or choose another week during the harvest season if those dates work better for your schedule). The deadline to register is August 21.
  • Donate & Support: If you cannot travel with us in person, please consider donating to support the logistics, transportation, and protective presence needed to keep these farmers safe. We will share specific donation details and updates by the beginning of September.

To learn more about program details, safety guidelines, and registration requirements, please visit Protect the Harvest.

While I'll be there and helping lead some of the programming, I will not be responsible for logistics—so please refer all organizational questions to the team at Protect the Harvest. However, don't hesitate to reach out to me directly if you have personal questions!

As we begin this new year, let us not allow distance, fear, or despair to freeze us into inaction.

Come get your hands dirty, feel the earth beneath your feet, make new friends, and build real bridges of peace and hope—olive by olive, hand in hand.

Peace שלום سلام

Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie
Co-Founding Spiritual Leader, Lab/Shul
Co-Chair of the Board, Rabbis for Human Rights