The initiative, organized by the Palestinian Farmers Union in collaboration with Treedom for Palestine, a US-based nonprofit, was presented as a tribute to Carter’s legacy. However, for many Israelis, particularly those who support the nation’s right to exist and thrive, the dedication of these trees to Carter raises questions about the former president’s stance toward Israel.
Carter, who passed away last month at the age of 100, is widely remembered for his role in brokering the Camp David peace accords between Israel and Egypt in 1978. Yet, in recent decades, his criticisms of Israel’s policies in Samaria and Gaza overshadowed his earlier accomplishments. He frequently characterized the situation inJudea and Samaria as “apartheid,” a comparison many Israelis reject, arguing it undermines the complex realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and disrespects Israel’s right to security.
Abbas Melhem, the executive manager of the Palestinian Farmers Union, called Carter a leader who “stood firmly supporting the struggle of the Palestinians for independence and for freedom,” further solidifying his legacy among Palestinian supporters. But for many Israelis, Carter’s tendency to criticize Israeli actions while downplaying Palestinian terrorism and human rights abuses has left a bitter taste. His later years were marked by his outspoken support for Palestinian narratives, which many in Israel see as deeply one-sided.
The choice of the olive tree, a symbol of peace and resilience, in this tribute is not lost on observers. While it’s presented as a symbol of hope for the future, it also highlights the stark contrast between the olive tree as a symbol of Palestinian identity and the reality of ongoing violence from Palestinian factions against Israelis. Israeli officials and many citizens question how such gestures of support for Palestinian causes, which include violent rhetoric and actions, can contribute to peace.
George Zeidan, the Carter Center’s Director in Israel and Palestine, remarked, “I think planting olive trees that live at least 100 years, like him, is a very suitable way to honor his life and his legacy.” While this may be seen as a tribute to Carter’s long life, it also serves as a reminder of his controversial legacy in the eyes of many Israelis.
While Carter’s role in securing peace between Israel and Egypt in the 1970s remains significant, his later actions, including his criticism of Israeli policies and his refusal to fully condemn Palestinian violence, have left a complex and contentious legacy. For many Israelis, the planting of this olive grove in Carter’s honor stands as a reminder of the challenges Israel faces in navigating international perceptions and the growing influence of anti-Israel sentiment in certain global circles.
This grove, meant to honor a former leader’s legacy, also casts a shadow over the ongoing struggles for peace and stability in the region. For those who stand firmly behind Israel, Carter’s legacy represents a flawed approach to Middle East diplomacy—one that has at times ignored or diminished the security concerns of the Jewish state in favor of an overly sympathetic view of Palestinian leadership. The olive grove, planted in his memory, is seen by many as a symbol of the ongoing disconnect between the realities on the ground and the international narratives shaping the region’s future.
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