As olive trees ripen across the hillsides, families gather for the harvest. Relatives and neighbors spread large sheets beneath the trees, collect olives and share meals along the way. For Zeina Ahmad and her family, the harvest is about more than gathering food. It is a cherished tradition that brings people together and helps families prepare food for the year ahead.
"Everyone gathers," Zeina says. "We prepare lunch, and we eat together."
Even in hard times, families continue to care for one another and keep important traditions alive.
One important tradition is preparing mouneh—foods like olive oil, pickled vegetables and grape leaves that are saved for winter. Many families grow some of their own food and preserve what they can from the harvest.
For Zeina, making traditional foods is part of caring for her family and keeping their way of life alive. Like many mothers, she prepares meals, cares for her children and helps them with schoolwork, even during difficult times.
Life in Kfar Shouba has become especially difficult in recent years. Located near Lebanon's southern border, the community has faced violence and uncertainty. More recently, many families had to leave their homes, fewer jobs were available and some houses were damaged or destroyed. Zeina's family was forced to leave for a time before eventually returning home and beginning repairs.
During these difficult times, families in the area also received support through CRS and local faith-based partners, including boxes of food, heaters, blankets, mental health support and cleaning supplies. This support helped families meet urgent needs as they worked to repair homes, care for their children and prepare for the cold winter months.
"A mother looks after everything: food, cooking and the family," she says. "If someone becomes ill, you bring medicine home and care for them. We also help them a little with their schoolwork as much as we can."
The olive harvest also reminds Zeina of the strength of her community. When one family has a large harvest, neighbors often help one another collect the olives. Later, when another family needs help, that kindness is returned. "I help my neighbor, and when it is time to harvest my land, she comes to help me," Zeina explains.
Today, many challenges remain. But through the care of family, neighbors, CRS and local Church partners, Zeina’s family finds strength to keep going. Around the table and in the olive harvest, they are preserving more than food—they are holding on to hope.
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When you give to CRS Rice Bowl, you help families around the world overcome hunger and poverty. Thank you for spreading hope and changing lives this Lent.
