It is about being rooted in this earth, in this piece of land. I think we can be stronger if we are rooted like the olive tree. So roots strengthen me personally, strengthen my identity as a Palestinian, as a woman.
The Artist and the Olive Harvest
Fidaa Ataya is an artist and an educator. She works in her family’s lands, creating nature installations for her community.
Last month, Israeli settlers destroyed her nature art studio and community space (which was established with funds from Première Urgence Internationale), ruining what was meant to be a place of celebration for surrounding communities.
Undeterred, she and local and international artists banded together to organize a festival celebrating the olive harvest, life, and Palestinian identity. They call it: Festival of Forbidden Life. Artists from all disciplines will be live streaming on the scenic Mount Al Risan, Palestine.
