The Palestinians were finally able to carry out their harvesting work. They were ecstatic. The olive harvest went on all day long. People were incredibly happy. There was a feeling of victory. Hundreds of olive trees were harvested, and the Palestinians seemed to feel very empowered by this.

Later we gathered together at the village. The villagers, internationals, and Israeli activists took time to acknowledge everyone's courage. The villagers said, "Even if we were only able to pick one olive, and no one was hurt, it would have been a victory. But to harvest from hundreds of trees - this was incredible."

The experience today represents a victory. But, of course, there is still no real assurance that the Israeli authorities and military can be expected to provide ongoing adequate protection for Palestinians.

(These particular settlers happen to be the fanatic rightwing-
ideology variety, but such behavior and policy is the rule all over
Palestine.)