Issue #1

Rooted in resilience. Growing in community.

Dear friends,

As the season shifts, we take a moment to reflect on the past months — full of growth, challenges, and transformation — and to share what lies ahead for Om Sleiman Farm this summer.

🥕 Our CSA Baskets — A Year of Nourishment

We began our growing season last September with the goal of sharing fresh, local, and regenerative produce with our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) members. Over 50 consecutive weeks, we delivered 645 baskets filled with more than 20 varieties of vegetables — many grown from seeds gifted to us by our friends at Buzurna Juzurna in Lebanon.

During Ramadan, we were proud to prepare 20 additional baskets donated by the community for families in need in Bil’in, staying true to our values of community care and food justice.

🌱 Sharing Knowledge: Our Annual CSA Training

In our mission to spread agroecological practices, we organized a comprehensive training program for 7 Palestinians, two of whom received scholarships.

The training — led by our dedicated team — lasted two months and included hands-on and theoretical workshops covering soil science, seeding, propagating, compost making, farm management, and a field visit to other cooperatives and agricultural projects. We are proud to support the next generation of agroecological farmers in Palestine.

🔥 Challenging fire and demolition: farming in times of genocide

Since October 2023, like many in Palestine, we’ve faced growing threats from the occupation. In January, the Israeli army demolished one of our shaded structures at Om Sleiman Farm. Then in May, while military forces welded a fence atop the 7-meter separation wall, a fire broke out, spreading rapidly onto farmland — including ours.

Thanks to our team, volunteers, and youth from the village, we managed to contain the fire. Still, many trees were lost. This winter, we plan to replant what was burned, restoring what was taken with renewed commitment to the land.

🌳 New chapter in our popular education program

This year, we launched a new initiative: “Under the Carob Tree” — a popular education program rooted in nature and community.

We hosted our first summer camp with 50 children from Bil’in, in partnership with Al Mada and Al Hadaf Center. The program continues throughout the year, including:

• A written Arabic curriculum
• Educational video production
• Hands-on workshops and training
• Finalising the design and construction of the Circle — our outdoor exchanging knowledge and gathering space

As we take a break from weekly CSA baskets this summer, we’re focusing on irrigation upgrades, seed saving, construction, and educational work — nurturing the foundation of the farm for seasons to come.

🙏 In Gratitude

Farming in Palestine is never easy — yet your support, belief, and partnership keep us rooted. Thank you for standing with us.

Volunteering at Om Sleiman Farm

Both September and October are busy months, we need your support. We accept volunteers starting September 1st.