The olive tree is the symbol of peace, and of prosperity.  It is plain and frugal, surviving in poor soil, lasting for thousands of years and yielding precious fruit and oil.  The annual Olive Tree Planting in February is part of a programme called Keep Hope Alive.  The intention is to support Palestinian farmers by protecting their land from being taken over by settlers.  

The sites chosen for tree planting were strategic.  The farmers are prepared, their legal ownership of the land established;  the risk posed by neighbouring settlements or outposts assessed so that the most vulnerable land gains from planting; the hundreds of olive tree brought from the nursery and the group of internationals assembled to start the planting. 

The Revd Andrew Ashdown is a member of our International Board of Reference. He gives his assessment of the current situation in Syria. For more information see: Aid to the Church in Need

Has Brexit had an impact on British attitudes toward refugees and asylum seekers? That’s a question I put to Canon Garth Hewitt, troubadour, gospel singer and protest song writer.

Visit Garth Hewitt’s website