A security fence separating Israel from the Palestinian autonomy cuts a village called Jios off from its agricultural areas. Because of recurring terrorist attacks, Israel does not allow young villagers to work on the fields. Israeli peace activists come to assist with the olive harvesting, where olives must quickly be harvested before the winter rain.

[Shariif Omar, Jios Farmer]:
"I was deprived three times from permit. I got a decision from The Supreme Court, and I am allowed to have a permit now."

Omar's sons were not given a permit, so he turned to Israeli friends for help.

[Sharif Omar, Jios Farmer]:
"I have large friends and they all are peace activists, all gifted. We believe we can live together in one place one day. Instead of going to the beach, instead of going to the theater they came to help the Palestinians, especially those that are in bad circumstances."

It's been a number of years since Israelis fits came to help Omar, and other farmers in the village. But how did they learn about the problem?

[Jacob Manor, Assistance Coordinator]:
"People just didn't come and harvest their olives. We became aware of this fact and we decided something should be done. So since 2002, we began harvesting olives in the West Bank".

After many years of olive harvesting it's good to visit Abu Azam.

[Leonor Nir, Peace Activist]:
"I am here today because I didn't see Abu Azam for a while and I wanted to. And I hope it will be a good solution in the future. "

The roads are bumpy, so an Israeli friend voluntarily drove his jeep here to help out. But where do people find the time to volunteer?

[Oded Efraty, Businessman]:
"We came to the conclusion that the Palestinians are the neediest for humanitarian aid, because their condition is the most difficult here. I think people always find time to do things that interest them. It's a matter of preference."

This year there were not many olives, because of the drought. Let's hope that next year Sharif Omar will be able to harvest his groves with his sons, and his Israeli friends will only need to drink coffee each time he visits.

Reporter: Marlene Grunpeter    Photographer: Anat Markram

NTD, Israel.