She is 5 thousand years old .. Know the oldest olive tree in Palestine

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture, the oldest and largest olive tree in Palestine is estimated to be five thousand years old.It covers more than 250 square meters.It is 13 meters high and its roots are about 25 meters underground.

The tree belongs to the family of Abu Ali in the Wadi Juiza area, located in the village of Walaja in Bethlehem (southwest of occupied Jerusalem), and called a variety of names, including the fort, the old woman, the mother of olives and the bride of Palestine. It remained high from previous eras on Christianity and Islam.

Salah Abu Ali, 46, a tree guard, told Middle East Eye that despite spending most of his time under the tree, he still feels awe. "The beauty and size of this tree are really special; it fascinates the mind. Palestine".

He added that drought and climate variability have had a negative impact on the tree over the years, causing its production to become more volatile. Between 10 and 15 years ago, it produced about half a ton of olives, and extracted about 600 kilograms of olive oil. Production last year only to 250 kg of oil, there are times when the tree did not produce anything.

Abu Ali pointed out that the tree suffers from water shortage problem and needs large quantities of water because of its size, but these quantities are not available, and tries to preserve it by adding fertilizer and care for its surroundings.

According to Fayyad Fayyad, director general of the Palestinian Oil Council, although older olive trees do not differ from other trees, research has shown that the older and larger the tree is better oil.

Fayyad added that the Israeli authorities, including civil and military personnel, had visited the tree in the past and took samples of it and its measurements. About four hundred dollars.

Although his salary is barely enough to cover his expenses, Abu Ali insists on guarding the tree, which he considers a symbol of Palestinian steadfastness. "If this tree remains, we will remain," he said. "This tree is part of our identity and our war against the Israeli occupation."