As the sturdy olive tree nestled between Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives survives the hot summer months, it becomes ready to be harvested as the cooler autumn days begin to take effect. The King’s Valley harvest is underway, and the olive press is hard at work.
Whether this is a sight from centuries ago or today, it’s hard to tell—because the celebration of the olive harvest is one that has brought nations together from ancient times to now. Despite modern technology making its way into the olive oil scene, the joy has not ceased.
People from various religions, backgrounds, and cultures have been brought together as a result of planting and harvesting these olive trees in the King’s Valley.
Olive Trees Bring Cooperation
Side-by-side with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, My Olive Tree has planted thousands of mature olive trees over the past several years in the ancient King’s Valley, also known as the Kidron or Silwan Valley.
This is a unique opportunity that brings those who are involved in the government, national parks, the Israeli Olive Oil Board, and many more organizations together in unity and cooperation for a project that means something unique to each entity.
Under these olive trees that are sponsored through My Olive Tree projects, there is cooperation and unity as Muslims, Jews, and Christians join together to usher in peace and prosperity to this sacred land.
Olive Trees Bring Restoration
You know the saying, “You reap what you sow”—this is precisely what is happening here in the King’s Valley! Our vision is that we see restoration in the land and for the people.
We desire to watch the economy thrive on a national level, and we love to hear stories directly from the mouths of Holocaust Survivors whom we celebrate with, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers we plant trees alongside, and the kibbutz farmers who harvest the trees you sponsor for generations.
These stories are tales of hope and restoration.
- Olive trees are each planted in honor of a Holocaust victim and benefit the Holocaust survivor They share their songs of joy as they dine with us at a special Shabbat meal that we are able to provide for them.
- Olive trees are planted on army bases and other various locations with the help of IDF soldiers. The soldiers show great appreciation as they open a box of specially prepared food we provide, so that they can celebrate feasts and festivals. It is difficult for many as they must stay on the base to protect their borders during these holidays and miss spending time with family and friends.
- The kibbutz farmers rejoice as their hands prepare for the harvest because they know they reap 100% profit from the harvesting of the olive trees planted in their kibbutz.
These are the faces that light up year after year because of a simple sapling planted years ago.
The thing to keep in mind is planting and reaping takes time. It takes time for the soil to produce a bountiful harvest, and it takes time for lives to change as hope starts to take root.
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”
Therefore, for us, reaping what we sow is more than an olive tree seed. It's about nurturing the land and the people so that they can both benefit—neighbors can work together, and peace and restoration are established over the land.
Olive Trees Bring a Long-Awaited Harvest
The olive trees planted in sacred and ancient King’s Valley are mature—and are now being harvested! We are excited about these rare harvests, because we’ve waited years… and many people have worked hard to put this project into motion. Now we can see the fruits of our labor!
The King’s Valley olive tree harvest is ready to be enjoyed! Each olive is picked at its peak, harvested, and cold-pressed the same day to ensure the rich aroma and flavor only 100% pure olive oil possesses.
Have you ever anticipated something for so long, that when it finally arrives… it’s almost surreal? The years of waiting flash across your mind in seconds, and you want to savor every bit of the experience.
The King’s Valley Extra Virgin Olive Oil brings that experience of so many lives involved in the project and planting home to you.
Olive Trees Bring the Holy Land to Your Table
Olive oil has long held the symbolism of anointing and provision. The olive tree is where humanity meets and unites in peace. The trees that are planted and the oil harvested from the rich soil in the Holy Land, is ready to be served at your next meal.
The hope, restoration, and long-awaited harvest culminates in the King’s Valley Extra Virgin Olive Oil and is delivered to your table—so that you may have the story of hope and restoration to share with your family!
FAQs about the King’s Valley, or Kidron Valley…
Q: Where is the Kidron Valley located?
A: The Kidron Valley is located on the eastern edge of Jerusalem, between the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives.
Q: How big is the Kidron Valley?
A: The Kidron Valley drops 4000 feet in elevation and is 20 miles long.
Q: Is the Kidron Valley mentioned in the Bible?
A: Yes, the Kidron Valley is found in several biblical passages—both in the Old and New Testaments—and is oftentimes referred to as the King’s Valley, a highly traveled and sacred place where many kings have been buried.
The Bible records Jesus crossing the Kidron Valley a number of times…
- He rose Lazarus from the dead (see John 11-12)
- He rode a colt across the Kidron Valley from the Mount of Olives through the gates of Jerusalem during His “Triumphal Entry” (see Luke 19:28-44)
- He journeyed back through the Kidron Valley to His death after He was betrayed (see John 18)
- King David found refuge in the Kidron Valley as he fled from his son, Absalom (see 2 Samuel 15)
The historical significance of the Kidron Valley is beyond measure…
If you want to know more about the history of the Kidron Valley, go HERE to download your FREE guide!