MASAR (Planting trees)

MASAR: The Path - A Living Ribbon of Hope


As an element of recognition of the Palestinian struggle, the MASAR project was established to bolster the ancient sense of belonging to a land that has suffered from conflict and restrictions that stand in the way of the dreams and aspirations of youth, children and families.


MASAR, meaning "The Path," is an epic environmental and social art initiative weaving a band of trees across the West Bank between Tulkarem and Jenin. Conceived as a living response to a landscape scarred by conflict and neglect, this 120-kilometre project aims to restore ecological and social fabric through collective action.


A Vision Takes Root: The Project in Action

Launched in late 2022, MASAR quickly moved from vision to reality. The initiative combines:

  • Environmental Restoration: Clean-up campaigns to remove debris and litter.
  • Afforestation: Planting a diverse ribbon of native trees, including olives, cypresses, oaks, and fruit trees like quince and apricot.
  • Community Art: Local artists creating vibrant murals that serve as a backdrop to the evolving path, transforming public spaces.

This multifaceted approach has already sparked a visible transformation, turning neglected spaces into symbols of growth and resilience.


A Community United: The Power of Collective Effort

  • Local Residents: Farmers, women, school children, and youth from towns, villages, and refugee camps have actively participated in the planning and implementation process. 
  • Key Stakeholders: Municipalities of Tulkarem and Kofr Al-Labad, the Governor's Office, the Rural Women's Association, local community clubs, and the Ministry of Education have facilitated the implementation of the initiative.
  • Schools’ Participation: The initiative's success in its first phase transformed the path into a popular destination for hikers. This was further demonstrated in April 2023, when a marathon involving 30 schools utilised the route, cementing its role as a community asset.

MASAR is driven by the people, for the people. It is a testament to what can be achieved through cooperation, bringing together:

The remarkable participation, especially of women, hundreds of students, and families along the path, has generated significant local media attention and a powerful sense of shared purpose, fostering belonging in a divided land.

This holistic effort has already begun to heal the landscape, turning forgotten spaces into thriving symbols of hope where locals were active architects of their own renewal.


From Environmental Art to Urgent Intervention

The project's timing was critical. Launched as society grappled with the aftermath of the pandemic and escalating conflict, MASAR became a vital source of work, learning, and community cohesion.

The war that began in October 2023, which saw part of the planted trees destroyed by military activity, fundamentally transformed MASAR's mission. Our experienced team pivoted from coordinating a social-environmental movement to managing an urgent intervention programme. Today, MASAR has evolved into a crucial initiative focused on: Supporting Farmers: Providing immediate aid to sustain agricultural livelihoods; Promoting Food Sovereignty: Establishing citrus orchards, date and olive groves to reduce dependency on external support; and Securing Home Gardens: Empowering families to grow their own food, enhancing local resilience and food security.