The New Crag Silwad: Where the Roots Never Betray
olive trees used for climbers to bolt the crag
Silwad limestone faces now stand ready to embrace new climbers, locals, and maybe internationals when the situation becomes calmer. This week Wadi Palestine team finished bolting ten routes, from easier lines for beginners to harder ones for experienced climbers.
Since 2019 Wadi Palestine works to grow climbing across the West Bank. What started as sport became also a way to support people emotionally: considered one of the first initiatives to use rock climbing for psycho-social support purposes in the occupied West Bank. The project grew step by step and by today it reached thousands of children and young people. The team believes climbing should be for everyone, not a special privilege.
Mujahed and Momin Bolting Silwad, 3 April 2026
Searching for new climbing spots became important for the team after losing several ones to Israeli settlers: some before the war on Gaza, and two more after the war. Still, the team kept looking. They opened new areas in Bethlehem, built a bouldering spot near Ramallah, and began projects in Hebron, Tulkarem, and now Silwad. Every new route feels like a small return of hope.
Working in the West Bank is not easy. Moving and organizing feels like a big effort to stay normal while problems are all around. Their goal was freedom — to find new options and create an open atmosphere for climbers so the sport can continue.
Jalazon Team enjoying the new rocks of Silwad, taken by Coach Kozo
Yesterday, some Children from Jalazon refugee camp made their first trip to the new crag. They had only climbed in one place before, Ein Qiniya, they were super excited to try different rocks, new shape of land, eat some fresh green almond with salt, and enjoy the sound of sheep around.
Meanwhile, the people there, the locals, they warmed everyone, not just with fire but with their hearts. They gave us water, called us to share their lunch, and at the end, there was an old man who made a small fire, sitting beside his horse, just watching the sunset fall behind the hills.
drinking coffee made by local while watching the sunset and talking about life in Palestine
Before all of that, the team felt a kind of sad-sweet feeling, remembering one of them, Abdallah Motan. In March 2024, the first time they came, they tied themselves with a knot around an old rooted Palestinian olive tree. No lack of safety, they say, because they know those kind of roots. A tree like olive would never betray them. When they bolted one of the first routes, Abdallah gave it a name: Chaleb Miyet "dead heart." But when you say it the village way, with that old accent, it becomes "dead dog." Back then, they laughed and agree together. And yesterday, they were wishing those memories could walk past him, wherever he is inside the prison.
Abdallah Motan bolting Silwad, March 2024
