One of the Five Marks of Mission widely adopted as an expression of contemporary Christian mission is “to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth”.

Peacemaker Trust is therefore enthusiastic to support the Olive Tree Planting Campaign organised by the Joint Advocacy Initiative of the East Jerusalem YMCA\YWCA of Palestine and Alternative Tourism Group (ATG).

The JAI-ATG Olive Planting Program, lasts for 10 days in February each year, where people of any age and background from all over the world can join.

Next year’s dates are 9-18th February 2019

Participants are given the opportunity to listen to Palestinian farmers’ stories of how their properties are threatened by settlers, the Apartheid Wall, bypass roads or Israeli settlement expansions.

They plant a selection of the trees sponsored that season, usually 4 fields with approximately 400 olive trees in each.

In addition to planting, the participants get a chance to visit the Palestinian towns of Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Hebron and Ramallah. They also meet with Palestinian organizations that provide information on conflict-related issues.

How to join the Olive Tree Planting program in February 2019

Over £800 ($1,000) has already been donated or pledged by Peacemaker donors to purchase olive tree saplings which will be planted in February. Each sapling costs £15 or $20 which means, God willing, over 50 Peacemaker olive tree saplings will be planted.

How to sponsor olive tree saplings

You can also help with the olive picking program in October.

The photos were taken on a previous olive tree planting project sponsored by World Vision International and the Willow Creek Association in the village of Aboud in 2011.