We are living through very difficult times, helplessly watching – on our screens – crimes against humanity being committed in front of our eyes, and all the hatred that surrounds those who condemn them. Therefore it is very important to remember that what is happening in Palestine started long before that Saturday at the beginning of October, and that violence can only be stopped when its true causes are admitted and understood.

The olive tree is Palestine’s symbol, and it is also a symbol of the deep relationship that Palestine’s people have with their land. For this, we are inviting you to spend this coming Sunday afternoon under an olive tree – albeit only metaphorically, for Lithuania’s climate is not really good for olive trees. Let us be inspired by the olive tree’s steadfastness – sumoud in Arabic – and let us be reminded that even in the face of the worst injustices, a human being must remain human.