At Regather, we believe that farming is more than food production — it’s a connection to land, community, and justice. That’s why we’re proud to be one of six UK organisations taking part in the Palestine Solidarity Twinning Project, a collaboration between the Landworkers’ Alliance (LWA) and the Union of Agricultural Workers’ Committees (UAWC). This project builds direct links between landworkers in the UK and Palestine, with the goal of cultivating solidarity, mutual learning, and support for those farming under extremely difficult conditions.
Our twinning partner is Al-Masara Farm, located in the Palestinian village of Al-Masara, just south of Bethlehem in the central West Bank — a place where land is deeply cherished but constantly under threat. Al-Masara farms terraces of olive trees, vines and grazing sheep and goats.
These were the words of Mohamed Zhwara, a filmmaker and farmer’s son from Al-Masara, who visited Sheffield and Regather Farm in December. Mohamed shared powerful stories of growing up on land that had been farmed by his family for generations. His grandfather taught him how to walk the land, recognise the seasons, and tend to the olive groves, grapevines, vegetables, and goats that sustain the family.
But this life has been disrupted by the political realities on the ground. Significant parts of the family’s land has been taken for the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements; farm land has become flats and new roads for this settlement are threatening their olive tree plantations, with twenty 60 year old trees currently under threat of being cut down to expand a road into this illegal settlement. Mohamed described how his mother now sleeps in her hijab due to fears of night-time home intrusions. The impact goes beyond farming — it affects education, movement, and daily life.
Al-Masara farm with settlement on hill
In response to these challenges, Mohamed’s father Mahmoud helped found a local non-violent resistance movement. From a young age, Mohamed took part in peaceful weekly demonstrations and community efforts to rebuild schools destroyed by military forces — including one instance where a tent became a makeshift classroom after a school was demolished.
This is resistance rooted in dignity and determination: to remain on the land, to farm, to learn, and to live.
We were recently heartened to hear from Mahmoud that, despite the obstacles they continue to face, the family and wider community at Al-Masara Farm have been busy planting new olive trees on their land. It’s a bold and hopeful act — one that speaks volumes about their ongoing commitment to protect their land and sustain their way of life.
During Mohamed’s visit to Regather Farm, our 15-acre organic growing site on the edge of Sheffield, we shared stories, techniques, and future hopes. Mohamed was particularly interested in our newly planted agroforestry project, where 100 young apple trees were recently established. In his region, apples are not widely grown, though they are a beloved fruit. He expressed interest in exploring the possibility of introducing apple cultivation in Al-Masara.
Doug, our grower, explained how we mulch and protect young trees from local wildlife like voles and hares. Mohamed, in turn, explained that in Al-Masara, tree protection means something very different — stone barriers to guard against settlers and their animals.
It was a powerful moment of exchange: the same goal — to grow food and care for trees — shaped by vastly different challenges.
Though this partnership is just beginning, it already offers something rare and valuable: a grounded, practical connection between two communities facing very different conditions, but united by values of sustainability, cooperation, and land care.
The twinning project isn’t charity — it’s solidarity. It’s about recognising the realities that Palestinian farmers face, and standing with them by listening, learning, and raising awareness. As Mohamed said, “My land means land across all of Palestine. My land means Palestine will be free one day.”
We hope this growing relationship between Regather and Al-Masara Farm will be one of many flourishing links between UK and Palestinian farms. Through ongoing conversation, shared knowledge, and mutual support, we are helping build a global network of landworkers committed to justice, sustainability, and peace.
Stay tuned as we continue to develop this connection — and find ways for our wider community here in Sheffield to engage and support this important work.
If you’re keen to learn more, head down to Meersbrook Park Church on Tuesday 10th June 2025 at 7pm to hear from Jonny Feldman talk about his recent visit to Palestine – a talk in which he will be mentioning Mahmoud and the work he is doing there.
Event link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/terror-and-beauty-in-the-west-bank-tickets-1384064065879?aff=oddtdtcreator
