The olive tree is symbolic worldwide. It symbolizes peace, wealth, and closeness with the earth. In Palestine, the holy land, where my family is from, the olive tree is central to the culture. The farmers grow olive trees and that creates many jobs for the everyday people there. The olives are picked, then either left as olives to eat or refined into olive oil. Olive oil can also be used to make soap because it is moisturizing and acts as an antioxidant. Personally, olive oil has a significant part of my family history. My great-grandfather had an olive oil soap factory in Nablus that got destroyed in a major earthquake. My uncle moved back to Palestine recently to start an animal rescue in Asira. On the property, he grows olive trees, and during olive picking season, the villagers gather together and collect the olives to make olive oil. He then sells it to raise funds for the animals. The olive tree is still a big part of Palestinian history and the economy. My family has always tried to immerse me in my culture and make sure that I stay connected with my roots even though I live across the world. We regularly use olives and olive oil in our big Arabic breakfasts that we make every Sunday and I will continue the same traditions with my kids to teach them all about where they’re from.

– Reem

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant