Destruction of Seeds: A Loss of Heritage and Future ^{CEFR B1}

The destruction of the seed bank in Hebron on July 31, 2025, represents a significant loss for Palestinian agriculture and culture. This facility had safeguarded numerous varieties of indigenous seeds, critical for maintaining agricultural diversity in the region. The swift and unannounced demolition by Israeli forces not only destroyed the physical structure but also eliminated a profound cultural archive that connects generations of Palestinian farmers to their land.

Seed banks are more than repositories; they are symbols of resistance and identity. Vivien Sansour’s work with heirloom seeds emphasizes their role in preserving history and culture. Furthermore, similar patterns of destruction have occurred globally, as seen in the U.S. and Iraq, which reveal how the dismantling of agricultural systems can exert control over populations.

The act of erasing seeds equates to a strategy of cultural and biological warfare. By targeting these vital resources, the connection between people, their land, and their cultural narratives is severed. International bodies have recognized the destruction of such heritage as potential war crimes, yet responses have often been muted. This ongoing conflict underscores the profound implications of attacking food systems: it threatens the very existence and future of communities.