Offer an olive branch this Christmas

I received a first, marvellous Christmas gift last week — an olive tree.

Especially wonderful is that the olive tree is to be delivered, not to me, but in my name to a Palestinian family whose ancient olive grove has been destroyed by occupying Israeli forces.

I am moved that this gift can help a little to provide that Palestinian family with a vital source of future income.

I like to think, also, that it will encourage Palestinian and Israeli organisations to work against the odds for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land.

My gift came from an old friend, in the form of a beautiful Trocaire gift-card, which will take pride of place on my mantle-piece. I have since contacted Trocaire to order some olive-tree-cards of my own that I can send to friends.

This letter is to thank my friend, and Trocaire, for bringing the real spirit of Christmas into our pre-Christmas home.

Charles Hayes

East Ferry

Midleton

Co. Cork