Israel and Palestine

Import Peace

By Peter Mann

In the winter of 2006, a call was issued for witness and education in the heart of the birthplace of Christ. It was an invitation from PC(USA) headquarters for first-time lay and clergy travelers to come to Israel and Palestine. As a curious and soon-to-retire businessperson, and an elder and “pew sitter,” I applied. Three of us from northern Minnesota were accepted: Chad Ellertson, a high school sophomore, his mother, Arloa, and I.

That year, 100 Presbyterians joined the Journey Toward Peace and became far better informed about both Israeli and Palestinian issues while visiting Jerusalem and Bethlehem. On my second day, I wandered off and began meeting local folks. The harsh economic realities in which the Palestinians were living astounded me. What could I do to help, with no knowledge of Arabic and no typical missionary or medical skills? There had to be something a person with business skills could do.

As we concluded our trip, each subgroup was asked to develop an action plan for the return home. We all agreed to create a PowerPoint and speak to churches, service clubs, etc. But for me and our group, something was still missing. It just wasn’t enough. On our very last evening together, five of us of us celebrated the creation of an olive oil brigade — bringing “Peace in a Bottle” back to the United States. Out of that idea, Import Peace was formed to import 100% extra virgin, fair trade organic olive oil directly from Israel/Palestine to sell to church congregations and peace activist groups. The profits would then go directly back to the Palestinians.

A year of market research, including a second trip to pick olives and visit co-op processing facilities, confirmed that we could make it work. My garage became our headquarters, and a private loan seeded the venture. Encouragement from Minnesota Valleys Presbytery and the Israel/Palestine Mission Network has enabled us to keep our dream alive. The first case was purchased by First Presbyterian Church of Moorhead, Minnesota in October 2007. We now have access to a real warehouse and forklift!

While sales continue to grow, our hearts have grown even more. We can “make a difference” one bottle at a time, and right from the pew. Import Peace Olive Oil now sits on narthex tables next to Fair Trade coffee in more than 100 Presbyterian churches. New markets are blossoming every week. There have been some bumps along the way, such as when the United States FDA delayed a shipment because trans fats were not identified on the nutrition label, even though there were none. This winter, the United States Customs and Border Patrol seized another shipment and placed it in quarantine until 1020 bottles were relabeled “Product of West Bank,” instead of “Product of Palestine.”  Israel/Palestine Mission Network members have helped tell the story to people in the pew all over the USA. In 2006, Louisville opened the door — and we walked through it.

Get more information on Presbyterian involvement in Israel and Palestine.