Equal Exchange is now offering Sindyanna‘s Organic, Extra Virgin “Extra–Peaceful Olive Oil,” which is produced by a project of Arab and Jewish women in Israel who work together for economic development, education, and peace. The non-profit group which started in 1996, works with farmers in the region to produce extra-virgin, organic olive oil from a blend of the best local varieties; it helps to maintain organic olive plots in the Galilee and support an organic farmers co-op in the Palestinian village of Qaddoum. Profits are invested back into the social goal of creating a just society.

Sindyanna runs an eco-focused visitors center where it offers various programs that provide training for rural women and encourage Jewish-Arab coexistence through dialogue with their visitors. The organization also runs workshops that combine traditional Palestinian and contemporary Israeli cuisines, aimed at creating a multicultural encounter of mutual learning and shared experience.

Over the years, Sindyanna‘s olive oil has received dozens of medals and awards in competitions around the world, including a gold medal at the New York International Olive Oil Competition.

Amid the continuing violence in the region, the group has maintained excellent cooperation with its longstanding Palestinian trade partners, including: handicrafts from BFTA (Beit Sahur), olive oil soaps from Nablus Soap, and carob syrup from Azun farmers.

Sindyanna has created a sense of trust among Arab and Jewish women over the years that has proven resilient even in these difficult times. As they state on their website:

“Our shared vision for a life marked by mutual respect and freedom continues to bind us, and we believe it will prevail.”