The Uprooted Olive Tree: Ecopolitics in Palestinian and Israeli Children's Literature

This comparative study, based on a sample of forty-four books, delves into the intricate relationship between literature, ecology, and politics in Palestinian and Israeli children's literature. It illuminates the pivotal role of these two fields in expressing and shaping realities in conflict zones. By focusing on nature and the environment, the study uncovers nuanced connections between ecopolitics and urban ecology, portraying Palestinian and Israeli struggles for a healthier environmental approach as integral parts of their ideological panoramas. On the one hand, Palestinian storytelling masterfully intertwines ecology, nationalism, and politics, underscoring the inseparable bond between nature and national identity under occupation. Beyond political commentary, this serves as a potent tool for cultivating green consciousness and ecological responsibility in young readers. On the other hand, Israeli children's literature spotlights urban ecological themes, which serve as key conduits for the state's environmental narratives, carrying subtle political undertones. While the Israeli stories may not overtly convey ecopolitical awareness, they do inspire green consciousness among readers. However, they also run the risk of being co-opted by the Israeli state's greenwashing mechanism, a potential pitfall that warrants further exploration.