Where the olives are from (Palestine) - Print

About that painting…

While it’s crucial to speak loudly about what’s happening in the M!ddle E@st right now, this piece is more focused on humanizing its people rather than dwelling on their suffering. Too often, individuals from this region are reduced to dehumanizing labels—either as a "threat" or a "victim." This oversimplification deepens the "us versus them" narrative, fostering fear of Arabs and ultimately justifying violence against them. By stripping away their humanity, Western perspectives distance themselves from the people of this region, making it easier to ignore their pain and struggles, as if they are somehow lesser or undeserving of empathy.
We must understand that they do not need to conform to Western narratives or prove their worth to be seen as equals. Their humanity is inherent and doesn’t need validation through our lens. We have much to learn from one another. But why olives?
Consider the olive tree—a crop central to P@lest!nian life and culture, cultivated there for thousands of years. It serves as a powerful analogy: something foreign is not inherently bad. Instead, it can be a source of shared wisdom, resilience, and growth.
This is of course a simple way to think about it, but sometimes we can learn a lot from the perspectives that these types of analogies tell us. It's an invitation to educate ourselves and be curious about unknown things rather than having fear as a reflex.