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Get up and take a look, come. Check the tree 100%, see what you like. Focus the most on the tree. There is nothing like this tree in the world. It’s one of the most beautiful and wonderful trees, and one of the most important trees, too. The tree is the most ancient in Palestine and in the world. Its age was estimated by an agricultural team at 5500 years old. There are many types of olive trees. This is the original type. We call it the Hawarri olive. We have Romanian olives, Nepali, [and] Syrian, but this is the best type of olive. Maybe you’ve travelled the world [and] seen [olive] trees, but you’ve never seen like this. It’s different from all the [other] trees. Its leaves are different from normal olives. And its fruits are different, and its oil is one of the best in the world. Everywhere trees are old and perennial, they are better. The tree is about 13 metres [tall].

Its diameter is 25 metres. [In] this heat, there is fresh air and shadow under it. The shadow of the tree is 250 metres. Of course, it has a value for us as Palestinian people; it’s a treasure. It’s a Palestinian natural heritage and an international heritage. It’s a nature reserve, too. And it’s a symbol for us. This tree is just twenty metres way from the separation wall. No matter how much description you give this tree, it’s difficult to give it justice. I mean, it’s a tree that is a story by itself, because it’s lived through many nations. I mean, look during [just] 1000 years how many things have happened. People pass away, and it still exists until today. And it’s still a fruitful, giving tree. It has a Lord’s secret – that’s why it’s remained alive all these thousands of years. It’s thanks to God the tree still exists. – Salah