A Land of Olive Trees

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The territory of Palestine has been under dispute since 1948, first by Egypt and Jordan and then by Israel after the six-day war in 1967. There are over 5 million people living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Olive trees are significant to Palestinians not only for economic reasons but because their olive fields represent their ties to the land. Due to the dispute many Palestinian farmers face serious barriers to accessing and working their fields. And since 1967 it is estimated that 2.5 million trees, with one third being olive trees, have been uprooted or cut down by Israel.

The olive branch has long been a symbol for peace.

We feel the ache in our hearts as decades go by with still no resolution or peace.

Can we take a moment today and pray for a just resolution to the land dispute, and for peace among Palestinians and Jews?

*References:
https://reliefweb.int/report/occupied-palestinian-territory/fact-sheet-olive-trees-%E2%80%93-more-just-tree-palestine