Newsletter (November - December) 2023

147,752 Trees Take Root in Palestine in a Large Agricultural Project Backed by the Arab Fund

To safeguard our Palestinian Arab land and stand alongside our resilient farmers, we have successfully planted 147,752 trees across the lands of 35 villages, encompassing the governorates of Tubas, Qalqilya, Jericho, Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nablus. This substantial initiative is part of a larger project supported by the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.

124 Arab and International CSOs Call on the UN to Expel the WFP Executive Director

APN delivered a letter to multiple UN Officials including the UN Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, through the UN Resident Coordinator in Jordan, Sherry Ritsima-Anderson, on behalf of 124 Arab and international civil society organizations working in the fields of agriculture, food security,  and environment and human rights. The letter demanded accountability and expulsion of the WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain.

With Great Dedication and Determination, We Planted Over 16,000 Trees in Jordan

Recognizing the importance of cultivating every inch of agricultural land in Jordan to ensure the country’s food sovereignty, APN successfully planted 16,473 fruit trees through the Green Caravan programme.

Shared Struggles of Apartheid and Discrimination, APN Speaks at the Global Convention of Solidarity with Palestine in South Africa

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary since the passing of former South African President Nelson Mandela, APN Chairperson, Razan Zuayter, and APN Co-Founder, Hassan Al Jaajaa, participated as speakers, alongside Nelson’s grandchild, Chief Mandla Mandela, at the fifth Global Convention of Solidarity with Palestine, titled “Nelson Mandela & Palestine: Confront Racism till Liberation”.

Widespread Global Media Coverage in the Last Two Months of 2023

During the final two months of 2023, various global, regional, and local media networks and platforms in Jordan and Palestine hosted us. The high-quality content we created in both Arabic and English exposed the truth about the impacts of the Zionist occupation, garnering positive reactions from both Arab and international journalists who featured us across visual, audio, and written formats.

20,606 Trees Planted in a Mission of Resistance - Where and How?

Each of the 20,606 trees symbolizes a green resistance project that we cultivated in 2023, primarily on land situated in Area C. These areas, located in the governorates of Hebron, Qalqilya, Nablus, Salfit, and Tulkarm, suffer from aggressive colonial attacks.

APN and BDS Jordan Collaborate on a Paper Addressing Alternatives to the Water-for-Energy Deal

APN and its partners met with 20 experts in the water and energy sectors to discuss the water situation in Jordan and the risks associated with signing a new agreement with the Zionist entity that would jeopardize the water sector, especially considering its tactics of starvation and dehydration to subjugate the people of Gaza.

Zuayter Delivers a Strong Message during ILPS International Solidarity Forum for Gaza

Zuayter presented a detailed historical overview of the Israeli occupation in Palestine during an international forum. She revealed the aspirations of Western colonialism in the Arab region, tracing these ambitions back to the Crusades 750 years ago.

Our Awareness Posts From November - December 2023

We present our digital awareness posts on emerging issues, published from November to December 2023, coinciding with the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip and the hidden battle in the West Bank.

Gharisoon Initiative and the Green Caravan Win DHL Award  to Plant 3,550 Fruit Trees in Jordan

Through the Gharisoon initiative, we planted 3,550 fruit trees in Jordan for a total of 47 farmers, supporting over 467 individuals.

APN Challenges False Narratives at 'Unheard Palestine' Press Conference Organized by AGC

In the press conference titled "Unheard Palestine", organized by A Growing Culture and attended by over 90 journalists and writers, APN General Manager, Mariam Al Jaajaa, provided forthright responses regarding the unfolding genocide in Gaza.

Kuwait's “Long Live the Olive Tree” Solidarity Evening Supports Olive Cultivation in Palestine

In commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, LOYAC Academy of Performing Arts (LAPA) held a charitable event that allocated the proceeds to the cultivation of olive trees in Palestine by supporting APN’s Million Tree Campaign which aims to support Palestinian farmers, safeguard their lands from confiscation, and enhance food sovereignty.

Al Jaajaa Sheds Light on the War of Aggression in Gaza at the International Peasant Movements’ Solidarity Conference Hosted by APC

Demonstrating strong unity, the Asian Peasant Coalition (APC) invited APN Agricultural Advisor, Hassan Al Jaajaa, to address the International Peasant Movements' Solidarity Conference on 23 November 2023. During the first panel titled "Issues and Challenges Faces Peasant Movements", Al Jaajaa shed light on the aggression war targeting Palestinian farmers in the West Bank and Gaza.

Construction of 4 Agricultural Wells for 39 Palestinians in Villages Southwest of Jerusalem

Four wells will bolster the resilience of four families, comprising 39 individuals, in villages facing the threat of settlements southwest of Jerusalem. The heroes of these communities are farmers who have steadfastly resisted abandoning their land.

The Housing Bank and the Green Caravan Support Farmers in the Northern Jordan Valley and Central Badia with 2,000 Trees

As a facet of the Housing Bank's commitment to social responsibility, APN conducted two tree-planting activities in the northern and central regions of Jordan, involving bank employees in the planting of 2,000 fruit trees.

Keynote Address by APN in the Opening Ceremony of the 9th Arab Council Conference Hosted by The International Academy (IAA) and Al-Asriyya Schools

APN was invited as a guest of honor and keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the 9th annual conference of the Arab Council, organized by the International Academy School – Amman and Al-Asriyya Schools, under the slogan "Our Unity is Our Future".

Exposing Funders' Hypocrisy and the Failure of Humanity and Civilisation Principles in Gaza at OECD Meeting

Al Jaajaa revealed how Western governments gave consent to the genocide in Gaza, exposing the failure to implement the concept of the interconnectedness between humanitarian work, development, and peace during conflict periods.

APN Plants 4,900 Olive Trees in the Villages Near Jerusalem in Partnership with Life for Relief and Development

As part of the Million Tree Campaign, APN planted 4,900 olive trees for 58 farmers in villages situated near Jerusalem. The primary objective is to fortify their resilience in the face of the Israeli occupation's attempts to confiscate their land.

Completion of the Second Stage of an Agricultural Project in Partnership with the Association Support Fund

Through a grant from the Association Support Fund, APN’s Green Caravan completed the second phase of an agricultural project in Southern Jordan Valley which included the distribution of 8 beehives to beekeepers in the area.

APN Speaks About Green Resistance to the Students of Al-Balqa Applied University at a Workshop Hosted by Fikra Initiative

APN Chairperson, Razan Zuayter, and APN Agricultural Advisor, Hassan Al Jaajaa, were invited to deliver a lecture entitled "Our food between sovereignty and dependence: do we eat what we cultivate?", as part of an awareness in Jordanian universities. The workshop was organized by Fikra, an initiative launched by ECO Jo, and Contrast BAU.

UNEP-Accredited Organizations of West Asia Demand that the Israeli Occupation is Brought to International Courts

APN contributed to formulating the statement released on 12 November 2023, by environmental organizations accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in West Asia, strongly condemning the crimes perpetrated by Israel in Palestine, particularly on the besieged Gaza.

Al-Quds Committee at the University of Jordan Plants 3,350 trees in Sur Baher and Silwan

Under the slogan "They uproot one, we plant ten", APN, with the support of Al-Quds Committee at the University of Jordan, planted 3,350 trees in the towns of Sur Baher and Silwan in the occupied Jerusalem governorate.

APN Gifts Over 1,000 Trees to 55 Families in Bayader Wadi Al-Seer

APN joined forces with 55 farmers in Bayader Wadi Al-Seer who were determined to safeguard their land from further urban sprawl through cultivation. In an extraordinary initiative, the community came together to plant a total of 1,064 trees in two phases.

Unveiling the Root of Israeli Occupation at the Pakistani PKMT 16th General Assembly

APN Co-Founder and Agricultural Advisor, Hassan Al Jaajaa, was invited to address the 16th General Assembly of the Pakistan Kissan Mazdoor Tehreek (PKMT) held on November 4, 2023, concerning the ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, Palestine.

“Nabd Al-Quds” Committee at the Hashemite University Plants 1,425 Fruit Trees

The students of the "Nabd Al-Quds" Committee at the Hashemite University upheld their commitment to Jerusalem, the capital of Palestine. During the fifth season of the "Plant Your Resilience" campaign, they contributed 1,425 fruit trees planted on behalf of participating students at two locations.

600 Trees Adorn the Fourth Amman International Film Festival

As part of the sustainable collaboration between APN and the Royal Film Commission, the fourth edition of the Amman International Film Festival adopted the planting of 600 trees to offset the carbon emissions generated by the festival's activities.

1,000 Fruit Trees Guard the Lands in Jerusalem and the Palestinian Jordan Valley from Al Emar Contracting Engineers & Construction Management

APN kindled a flame of hope to fortify the presence of Palestinian farmers and shield their lands from confiscation by planting 1,000 fruit trees, including olives and grapes, with the generous support of Al Emar Contracting Engineers & Construction Management. These trees will benefit farmers who support 36 individuals.

Spotlighting Gaza during the 10th Meeting of the Subcommittee for the Eradication of Hunger at the League of Arab States

At the 10th session of the Subcommittee for the Eradication of Hunger in the Arab Region, participants approved the proposal put forth by APN Chairperson, Razan Zuayter, to include a dedicated agenda item on Gaza.

1,000 Fruit Trees from Abu Issa Holding to Nablus and the Palestinian Jordan Valley

As part of the Million Tree Campaign and with the generous backing from Abu Issa Holding Company, APN planted 1,000 fruit trees in Nablus and other Palestinian governorates in the Jordan Valley, where the threat of confiscation by the Israeli occupation looms large.

Our Position on Foreign Funding at a Dialogue Hosted by the Coordination Committee for Civil Society Organizations (HIMAM)

APN General Manager, Mariam Al Jaajaa, presented APN’s position on foreign funding at a dialogue titled "Civil Society Relations with Donors and Empowering the Role and Independence of Civil Society”, organized by HIMAM. In her intervention, Al Jaajaa emphasized APN’s consistent internal policy position against accepting foreign funding and the necessity for radical change in the unhealthy relationship between donor agencies and local organizations that led to distorted socioeconomic sectors marked by excessive dependence and systematic decline.

Tamam Foods Contributes 500 Fruit Trees as a Symbol of Victory Against Settlers in Arrabet Jenin

During a recent tree planting tour in Arrabet Jenin, APN, with the support of Tamam Foods, bolstered the resilience of farmers' lands against occupation. A total of 500 olive, citrus, and grape trees were planted, benefiting eight farmers situated in various locations around the town.

500 Trees of Hope from Jordan Ahli Bank to Farmers in Jerash

The Jordan Ahli Bank supported the Green Caravan programme by contributing 500 stone fruits, grape, and peach trees in two tree-planting activities in Souf, Jerash. These trees were planted by APN with the participation of 20 volunteers from the bank.

Defining True Solidarity during PCFS Forum “Voices of Solidarity: Rise for Palestine”

In conjunction with the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the People’s Coalition on Food Sovereignty (PCFS) organised a webinar titled "Voices of Solidarity: Rise for Palestine”. The platform provided a global space for individuals and organisations to express their solidarity with Palestine. APN Co-Founder and Agricultural Advisor, Hassan Al Jaajaa, was invited to give closing remarks, during which he explained the true meaning of solidarity.

Amidst 5 Settlements, We Planted 744 Fruit Trees in the Villages Near Jerusalem with the Support of Pioneers Academy

We have stood alongside Palestinian farmers by planting 744 fruit trees in villages near Jerusalem, carefully selected to support three farmers in a particularly sensitive location surrounded by five settlements. This activity was supported by students from Pioneers Academy.

The Heirs of Humam Darwazah Stand Alongside the Farmers of Falamya

The story of the Falamya community is a tale of resilience which APN willingly embraced in a mission that led us to this isolated village. We launched an agricultural project to plant 600 trees covering 10 dunums owned by two families, comprising 15 members, all of whom are steadfast in their commitment to remain in their village.

APN Addresses University Students on Environmental Sustainability and Environmental Occupation at AIESEC Event

AIESEC, a platform dedicated to empowering youth, invited APN to serve as a keynote speaker in two sessions, engaging a cohort of Jordanian university students in discussions centered around "Environmental Sustainability" and "Environmental Occupation".

Zain and APN Enhance Livelihoods with 400 Trees

Responding to the growing community interest in agriculture, APN and its gold sponsor, Zain Telecom, carried out two tree-planting activities, leading to the planting of 400 fruit trees from a total of 1,000 trees that will be planted in the coming months.

Princess Sumaya University Students Partner with APN to Plant 375 Fruit Trees Near Jerusalem

With the support of students from Princess Sumaya University for Technology, APN has successfully planted 375 fruit trees in the villages surrounding Jerusalem. The variety of trees planted include olives, figs, stone fruits, and pomegranates.

Tesco Contributes 250 Peach Trees, Offering a Fresh Start to a Retiree in Souf

Tesco contributed 250 peach trees to a farmer in Souf - Jerash, which were planted by APN's Green Caravan in collaboration with 40 employees from the company, including Managing Director Hala Darwazeh, Talal Al-Hayek, and George Abdel-Massih.

300 Fruit Trees and Agricultural Wells in Jerusalem in Memory of Hajja Zainab Abu Hatab

In honor of Zainab Abu Hatab, her loved ones chose to immortalize her name in Jerusalem by contributing to the construction of an agricultural well and the planting of 300 fruit trees in villages near Jerusalem. These specific areas are facing the risk of confiscation for the expansion of Israeli settlements. The well is strategically positioned to serve as a crucial water source for these trees, including olives, figs, stone fruits, and various others.

The Green Caravan Plants 200 Trees in Central Badia with New English School Students

In an exceptional activity, 60 high school students from the New English School joined APN's Green Caravan on a trip to Al Jizah in the central Jordanian Badia, known for its favorable climate for planting fruit trees.

APN Spotlights Gaza and the Environmental Impacts of Wars during UNEP Consultations

APN highlighted the environmental effects of the war on Gaza during the UNEP initial consultations for Major Groups and Stakeholders, in preparation for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).

Al Sajdi Family Plants 300 Trees in Jerusalem to Confront Settlers

With the support Mr. Ammar Al-Sajdi and his family, we  planted 300 trees in villages situated south of occupied Jerusalem, areas frequently exposed to Israeli violations.

Effective Community Engagement Explored in Enriching Lecture at Al Bayan School

In a lecture as part of the 'If Only You Knew' campaign, students at Al-Bayan School learned about the importance of supporting farmers, especially in marginalized areas. They explored the connection between this support, enhancing the farmers' resilience in their lands, providing them with economic support, and expanding green spaces to ensure a healthy environment

120 Fruit Trees in the Villages Near Jerusalem in Memory of Izzat Zahida and Naji Habashneh

The legacy of fathers and friends remains alive, sustained by those who honor their memory through noble acts. The family members of the late Izzat Zahida and Naji Habashneh exemplified this by planting 120 fruit trees in villages south of Jerusalem, which face the threat of confiscation by Israeli settlements.

Washington Obstructs CFS 51 Over Gaza and ANFS Responds

Washington obstructs CFS 51 closing ceremony due to a clash over wording on the criminalization of events in Gaza, and ANFS responds.

Safeguarding a Land in Sinjil - North of Ramallah with Support from Hamdi Idris

Khaled, residing in a town besieged by five illegal settlements, views the cultivation of his land as a national obligation. It represents the essence of his identity and the key to his future. In response to his call, we have planted 200 fruit trees, contributed by Mr. Hamdi Idris, as part of several activities implemented in other areas.

APN and the International Islamic Charity Organization Plant 100 Trees in Memory of the Late Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah

The International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) held an event in collaboration with APN to plant 100 trees in the forest of Al Hussein Sports City in memory of His Royal Highness the late Sheikh Nawaf Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Ayla International Schools Supports the Planting of 140 Grape Trees in Villages in South Jerusalem

APN, with the support of Ayla International Schools, planted 140 grape trees in the villages in southern Jerusalem. The goal is to enhance farmers' resilience, improve their income, and foster local economic development in the region.

Al Hussein Technical University Students Plant 87 Trees in Palestine

For the first time, students from Al Hussein Technical University partnered with the Million Tree Campaign in Palestine to plant 87 trees under the banner "We plant today to harvest tomorrow".

Al Jaajaa Speaks About Food Sovereignty and Liberation at Carob House

Carob House invited APN General Manager, Mariam Al Jaajaa, to speak at a seminar on food sovereignty and liberation alongside a group of speakers including Alia Nusseibeh, Hanan Elayyan and Rakan Mihyar. 

Our Participation in Cambridge High School's NGO Fair

In recognition of APN's mission and its commitment to promoting environmental conservation and food sovereignty in the Arab region, Cambridge High School invited us to participate in the first NGO fair hosted by the school.

Fostering Environmental Responsibility among Second Graders at the Modern American School

In an engaging and informative awareness lecture, second-grade students at the Modern American School were introduced to the vital significance of trees, agriculture, and the environment.