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In a region marked by ongoing conflict, a remarkable, quiet collaboration endures between the Israeli community of Sha’ar Efraim and the Palestinian village of Jalameh. This partnership, sustained daily, isn’t built on political alignment, but on the fundamental needs of land, water, sowing, and harvest – supporting thousands of families on both sides.
A Personal Commitment to Cooperation
At the heart of this ongoing work is Samir Moadi, a member of the Druze minority from Yarka, Israel. He serves as the agricultural coordinator for the Civil Administration, overseeing civilian affairs in parts of the West Bank. Moadi’s dedication is deeply personal; he is a bereaved father, having lost his son, Cpl. Yosef Moadi, during Operation Cast Lead in Gaza in 2009. Despite this profound loss, Moadi continues his work, finding purpose in the soil and the shared endeavor of agriculture.
“I continue to carry out my work with dedication because I’ve come to understand that this is the only path to brotherhood and peace,” Moadi states. “A person who works, earns a living and lives with dignity doesn’t seek war.”
The Economic Interdependence of Agriculture
The Palestinian agricultural sector is heavily reliant on the Israeli market. Roughly 10% of Israel’s total produce consumption comes from the West Bank, with an annual trade value of approximately 1.2 billion shekels ($384 million). Agriculture constitutes around 7% of the Palestinian GDP and employs approximately 140,000 workers – about 16% of the Palestinian labor force.
This economic connection has become even more pronounced since October 7, 2023. The number of Palestinian agricultural workers has increased by roughly 25% due to a decline in employment opportunities within Israel itself. Moadi succinctly puts it: “If there’s no Israeli market, there’s no Palestinian agriculture. It’s that simple.”
Ensuring Quality and Safety
Abed al-Rahman, a Palestinian agricultural engineer and advisor from Talluza, has collaborated with Moadi for over 34 years. His role centers on a critical aspect of the process: inspecting produce before it enters Israel. He explains that all produce passing through crossings like Sha’ar Efraim and Jalameh undergoes systematic sampling, testing for pesticide residues and irrigation quality. These samples are sent to the Agriculture Ministry in Beit El for approval, ensuring quality and safety standards are met.
Al-Rahman emphasizes that this professional work continued uninterrupted even after the October 7th attacks, despite some impact on marketing.
Innovation and Long-Term Projects
The Civil Administration’s agricultural unit is actively promoting a shift towards integrated and biological pest control methods. Instead of relying on chemical sprays, the focus is on utilizing insects to reduce toxicity and improve fruit quality, enabling Palestinian farmers to meet broader market standards.
In the village of Jabara, Tair Kader, an agricultural engineer and farmer, describes a fish farming project initiated in cooperation with the Civil Administration. Starting as an irrigation pond, the idea evolved into a fish farm, with Israeli experts providing support for aeration systems, filters, and generators. Currently, seven fish ponds operate in the Tulkarm and Jericho areas, housing around 40,000 bass, with plans to introduce another 30,000 in March. Kader describes this as “a long-term project.”
Tarek Abu-Safaqa, a trader and packing-house owner, employs over 170 Palestinian farmers and distributes produce throughout Israel. He notes that the current quality standards are the result of decades of collaboration, with Israelis and Palestinians working together using the same methods and expertise.
From the Israeli side, Capt. Yuval Arviv, commander of the Sha’ar Efraim liaison office, views agriculture as a vital component of security. He states plainly: “Agriculture is a first line of defense. Without an economy and without jobs, security falls apart. Israel has a clear interest here.”
Moadi has also spearheaded agricultural and landscape memorial projects in memory of fallen Israeli soldiers since the loss of his son. He reflects, “In the end, life wins. The land doesn’t ask who you are. It asks that you care for it. And if we care for it together, maybe we’ll heal as well.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary basis for the cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians described in the article?
The cooperation is rooted in labor and economic necessity, specifically in the shared work of agriculture – land, water, sowing, and harvest – rather than political alliance.
How much of Palestinian agricultural produce is sold to Israel?
Approximately 65% of Palestinian produce is sold to Israel, amounting to over 100,000 tons out of an annual yield of 150,000 tons.
What role does the Civil Administration play in this agricultural partnership?
The Civil Administration, through its agricultural coordinator Samir Moadi, facilitates the process, oversees quality control, and promotes initiatives like integrated pest control and new projects such as fish farming.
Given the complex political climate, what does the endurance of this agricultural partnership suggest about the potential for cooperation in other areas?