Join Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids and the Institute for Global Education for this insightful window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. The film explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. There will be a panel discussion afterward.

Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids / Institute for Global Education

Where Olive Trees Weep

Maral Quttieneh

Zaya Benazzo

Maurizio Benazzo

Ashira Darwish

Finley MacNeil

Caroline Campbell

Nickoloz Kachibaia

Yasen Stoev

Where Olive Trees Weep offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice. We follow, among others, Palestinian journalist and therapist Ashira Darwish, grassroots activist Ahed Tamimi, and Israeli journalist Amira Hass. We witness Dr. Gabor Maté offering trauma-healing work for a group of women who have been tortured in Israeli prisons. Ancient landscapes bear deep scars, having witnessed the brutal reality of ancestral land confiscation, expulsions, imprisonment, home demolitions, water deprivation, and denial of basic human rights. Yet, through the veil of oppression, we catch a glimpse of resilience—deep roots that have carried the Palestinian people through decades of darkness and shattered lives. This emotional journey bares the humanity of the oppressed while grappling with the question: what makes the oppressor so ruthlessly blind to its own cruelty?

Documentary

ACCESSIBILITY:  Face masks are required with the exception of people unable to mask for medical reasons. Fountain Street Church has a ramp at the entrance on Fountain Street, directly across from the parking lot. This, combined with a lift and elevator inside make most areas of the building accessible to all, with the exception of the balcony in the sanctuary. There are accessible restrooms on all floors and gender inclusive restrooms on the main floor and second floor.
     
PARKING: Parking meters around the church are enforced Monday through Friday. On Sunday afternoons, the GRCC parking ramp on Fountain Street and Ransom Avenue is free for use, and the Fountain Street Church small parking lot is available for elderly and disabled guests. Please do not park in the bus stop area or loading area in front of the building, and do not stop your vehicle on the crosswalk.

Fountain Street Church