Y Care International backs replanting olive trees in Palestine

1 July 2002

Y Care International, the international relief and development agency of the YMCA in the UK and Ireland, is backing a campaign to replant olive trees where they have been uprooted in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Since October 2000, some 112,000 olive trees have been destroyed in the Palestinian Territories, and now the YMCAs of Gaza and East Jerusalem and the YWCA of Palestine have launched a joint campaign to restore around 50,000 trees. The campaign has received the support of churches, individuals and other groups around the world.

“The olive tree has a long tradition in our part of the world, and is a symbol of peace, prosperity and happiness”, said Rifat Kassis of East Jerusalem YMCA.

“The trees provide the basis for a living, and a simple food for many people. With this project, we also aim to keep hope alive, and reaffirm the need for a long-term peace-building process.”

Plants for the project are being provided by the tree nursery of East Jerusalem YMCA’s women’s training programme, which produces around 2,500 plants a year, and by other local organisations.

By donating £20 to the campaign members of the public can pay for an olive tree to be planted.