About Us
Access to information.
Advocating for justice.
Amplifying marginalized voices.
On October 7th, our founder, Ranem, recognized a severe crisis in access for the disabled community and took immediate action by establishing an organization focused on facilitating sign language interpretation via social media platforms. She pioneered virtual interpreting services directly in Gaza and the West Bank, ensuring that those in need could receive timely and accurate information. This initiative quickly grew, attracting international interpreters who shared our vision of providing essential access.
The Olive Guardians was born out of a collective effort to address the lack of access to information for the Deaf community, often overlooked by mainstream media. Our journey began with a group of dedicated individuals committed to ensuring that this community had the resources and information they needed, particularly in the context of the ongoing situation in Occupied Palestine. As our mission gained momentum, we expanded our team to include access providers from around the world, all united in the goal of maintaining continuous access to critical updates.
Today, The Olive Guardians stands as a global organization dedicated to advocacy, resource provision, and interpreting services for marginalized communities worldwide. Our mission is to empower individuals facing language barriers by bridging communication gaps, amplifying marginalized voices, and championing equitable access to justice and support. With a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and cultural competence, we strive to create a more just and interconnected world where all individuals can access vital services, overcome challenges, and assert their rights with dignity and respect.
" When I first started attending protests, I didn’t always have access, there was often no interpreter and so wasn’t able to understand what was going on. I was isolated and wasn’t able to connect with the activist community, so I didn’t always feel safe. But since I moved to DC to attend Gallaudet, I’ve started attending protests with The Olive Guardians interpreters. This has provided me with access, with community as I’ve built relationships, and it has been such a better experience. I’ve finally been able to understand what is going on at the protests and I’ve learned so much. Honestly I finally feel safe. All Deaf people, globally and in America, should get to experience this level of access, understanding, and community that The Olive Guardians has provided for me." - Elizabeth
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