Canada’s representative joins farmers in picking olives

Canada’s representative to the Palestinian Authority Chris Greenshields and his staff Tuesday joined farmers in the Jenin area town of Zababdeh in picking olives, according to an official at the town council. Zababdeh acting mayor Issam Ibrahim welcomed the delegation before accompanying them to a lot on the outskirts of town where Greenshields and staff helped a local farmer pick olives. The delegation then toured the town and visited an olive press before taking a tour of Haddad Tourist Village. Palestinian farmers have had a hard time picking olives, particularly in land near illegal Jewish settlements in the West Bank, due to attacks by settlers. The olive picking season is considered one of the most important times for Palestinians who depend on it for their livelihood.