jewish tree-planting — jewish tree-planting — The municipality of Larnaca did not authorise a tree-planting event by the Jewish Community of Cyprus intended to honour US President Donald Trump, as clarified by Mayor Andreas Vyras on Thursday.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Vyras stated that the municipality was unaware of the event’s specific purpose, which has become a topic of public concern and discussion. “There have been quite a few reactions. We received many phone calls from the public, expressing objections and saying that there would possibly be protests on the day of the tree-planting,” he noted.
The mayor explained that the municipality had received a letter from the Jewish Community on October 17, requesting approval for the tree-planting as a social and environmental contribution. The community’s initial communication did not indicate that the event was to honour Trump.
“We were not aware that the tree-planting was to be held to honour Trump. We saw all this on the invitation they sent us,” Vyras added, underlining the lack of prior knowledge regarding the event’s intention.
The proposal included planting trees at a location suggested by the municipality, specifically on the road island outside the Vergina lyceum. Vyras confirmed that the community mentioned they would not be installing a sign to indicate the purpose of the planting.
The tree-planting ceremony is set for Sunday at 11am on Ioannis Kakridis street. The invitation extended by the Jewish Community of Cyprus states, “The Jewish Community of Cyprus, in collaboration with Osi and Eitan Bar On, cordially invite you to a tree planting ceremony in honour of US President Donald Trump that caused the release of the Israel hostages and signing the peace agreement.”
In an accompanying note, the community expressed its intention to plant 48 trees, symbolising life, renewal, and the enduring hope for peace. This symbolic act has sparked considerable debate within the local community, leading to the mayor’s intervention and clarification regarding the municipality’s stance.
