Peace Mission in the Middle East Concludes with Planting an Olive Tree

April 3, 2006

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0403/p04s01-wome.html

On April 3, 2006 The Christian Science Monitor reported, "The Breaking the Ice peace mission that made its way across deserts in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, and Egypt completed its journey last Friday by planting an olive tree at the foot of this mountain believed by Jews, Christians, and Muslims to be the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. A symbol of peace since biblical times, the olive tree from Jerusalem was meant for the soil of Tripoli, but the group decided to plant it at this ground deemed holy after Libyan officials refused to allow the three Israelis in the peace mission entrance into their country. The 'message to the world is a simple one,' says Neda Sarmast, reading a declaration written by the group at the tree-planting ceremony. 'If not me, then who?' The eight that finished the mission took turns shoveling mounds of dirt onto the tree, which they named 'Oliver.'"