It is the embodiment of the Palestinian people in their struggle with Israel. The tree symbolizes their unity, community and rootedness to the earth, their past, present and future. As a dominant figure in Palestinian culture, he is almost sacred. The olive tree also plays a significant role in Palestine's economy, with olive oil being the country's second largest import. It began to play an even more important role in the economy, as rising unemployment left only olive trees to provide sustenance for families. Even as Palestinians retreat into their communities to cultivate their orchards, the orchards are destroyed; victims of a bigger game. Many Jewish settlers believe that Palestine is their land and to regain it the olive trees of Palestine must be removed. A symbol that once represented peace is now used to wage war. Despite this, the fight for the olive trees only creates a deeper bond with the tree and the land. The conflict instills even deeper symbolism in the hearts of Palestinians. The olive tree is more than just a tree. It is the symbol of a people rooted in the