Israeli Volunteers Assist Monks in Replanting Vineyard After Arson Fires

Under the blazing July sun, dozens of Israeli volunteers gathered in the Judean Foothills to help replant the vineyard of Latrun Monastery, a French Trappist abbey located between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The monastery’s vines and olive groves its primary source of sustenance were severely damaged in a series of wildfires earlier this year.

The fires in April and May devastated the surrounding landscape, destroying thousands of trees and burning nearly 70% of the monastery’s olive grove. Approximately 1,000 olive trees were lost, forcing the monks to evacuate in a hurry as the flames advanced.

“We’ve had small fires before,” recalled Brother Athanase, watching over the scorched hills. “But this one was different. We thought it was under control, then the wind turned and the fire jumped into the vineyard.”

Known for their simple, contemplative lifestyle, the 20 monks at Latrun Monastery manage their land with only a few hired workers. Faced with the daunting task of recovery, they reached out to the wider community for help. What began with just a handful of volunteers soon grew to 80 Israelis, organized through agricultural support groups and coordinated by interfaith activist Yisca Harani.

The volunteers planted new grapevines, anchored trellises, and began the long process of restoring the vineyard’s production. The monks, dressed in plain robes, worked alongside them and offered a humble meal of bread, cheese, watermelon, and white wine fruits of the little that remained.

“Prayer and labor go hand in hand,” said Dom Patrick, the abbot of Latrun Monastery. “We don’t just survive on donations. Our work is our livelihood and our way of life.”

The replanting effort has become a symbol of unity and resilience, drawing together people of different backgrounds in support of a centuries-old spiritual community. While the road to full recovery will be long, the renewed vines represent both survival and hope for the monastery’s future.

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