Michiganders run across Palestine, forging bond with olive farmers

Traverse City filmmaker Aaron Dennis and Glen Arbor Sun editor Jacob Wheeler traveled to the Holy Land in early February to document the Run Across Palestine, which was organized by northern Michigand-based On The Ground. The runners logged over 100 miles over five days across the West Bank to raise awareness about the struggles facing olive farmers and to help reestablish sustainable olive growing practices in a region where the economy, culture and identity are rooted in the ancient tree. Watch Dennis’ and Wheeler’s video series here. And read Wheeler’s dispatches below:

• “3, 2, 1, to Jenin (Palestine) Yalla Run!”

• Joys and Pains on the Run Across Palestine

• Promoting Palestinian art and folklore

• Political art sends clearer message than 1,000 speeches

• Israeli military stops Run Across Palestine on Day 1

• Planting trees, singing and dancing in At-Tuwani

• Planting our children’s olive trees

• Michiganders cross wall to Run across Palestine