4^th, April 2008

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As part of the ongoing Olive Tree Campaign, led by the Joint Advocacy Initiative of the East Jerusalem YMCA and YWCA of Palestine, which aims to plant trees in fields where land is threatened to be confiscated or trees where uprooted, more than a hundred olive trees were contributed to be planted at the Beit Sahour-Osh Ghrab Israeli ex-military camp. The camp was evacuated in late 2006 and now being constructed into a public park by the Beit Sahour Municipality.
The land is still under threat of re-confiscation by the Israeli forces, whereas the Municipality with the support of people and civil society organizations are resisting against it.

Aiming to follow up with the trees, the Joint Advocacy Initiative Team with its Youth for Peace and Development advocacy group, in coordination with the Beit Sahour Municipality and its council members, organized a planting day on Friday the 4^th of April 2008, commemorating the Palestinian Land Day. Trees were delivered to the field and the JAI staff and volunteers, together with the Municipality deputy mayor and other council members and staff planted some of the trees in the park, while the rest are to be planted later by the Municipality when their field are ready.

The Municipality council members and staff were given further information and updates about the Campaign and its progression, who expressed their admiration and support, while the JAI expresses its gratitude to their presence, cooperation and always successful coordination towards the achievement of our common goals of peace with justice.