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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 27 May 2021. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Hard hitting realities of life in the Middle East were hammered home during a peace mission to plant trees on Palestinian farmland. Stephen and Jeff took part in the trip which followed an appeal at St Mary's Iffley that raised more than £11,000 for the church's Olive Tree Campaign.
The campaign involves planting young trees on Palestinian farmland that is threatened with confiscation, crop destruction or invasion. Every year, the Joint Advocacy Initiative (JAI) - organised by the YMCA of East Jerusalem and the YWCA of Palestine, hosts an olive tree planting programme in West Bank Palestine for 'internationals' to come and join and take part in this project.
In the summer this even involves a particular project for young people, entitled A Journey For Justice.
The diocesan pilgrimage group met JAI members earlier this year. "You experience a trip to the Holy Land through the eyes of human rights and justice," says Stephen.
"You stay in a small hotel or with a local family.
The first time we stayed with a farmer who was a super friendly guy and the second time with a Christian family.
We met some very beautiful people. " About 50 people from all over the world were on the trip, including the retired Bishop of Dover, the Rt Revd Richard Llewellin.
"You build strong friendships because you see things that are unpalatable, the wall, the refugee camps, barbed wire and concrete, and the occupation that you might not see on a scripted Holy Land tour.
Seeing what goes on up close really jars extremely hard. "The group had set themselves a target of raising £9,800 in last year's Harvest Appeal but actually raised more than £11,000.
They held a Palestinian themed bring-and-share lunch, and put together a cultural event, including a group from London who can perform on modern and traditional Palestinian instruments.
They had food, music and traditional Arabic dances.
"We are a small parish but we made a measurable difference to these Palestinian farmers and we are looking to generate a meaningful two-way relationship. Stephen said: "Some of the trees will get chopped down but we have to weigh up whether we are making a measurable difference.
It does stop farmers being economically deprived. "Two olive trees were placed in the nave of St Mary's, as a symbol of the people the church is supporting, which were dressed for Christmas. Jeff Alderson and his colleagues at St Mary's are happy to give talks to parishes who are interested in getting involved in the Olive Tree campaign.