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An olive tree is not a particularly striking tree but its magic is in its roots that ensures olives for hundreds of years, even in a drought. With patience and perseverance the Olive Tree Initiative can also establish strong, deep roots, that one day will bear fruits of change in the world.

OUR MISSION

We are told, “you are the future of our country. You are the future of our world.” We believe in that and for that reason are ready to take action and do what we can to better understand one of the most significant conflicts in the world today.

In March 2007 a diverse group of UCI students from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Druze and non-religious backgrounds with varying perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict founded the Olive Tree Initiative. The students were inspired to create a forum where they could discuss and learn about their different perspectives on the situation in Israel/Palestine and to embark on an educational trip to the region. In the fall of 2008, 16 students and 2 faculty made an inaugural two-week trip to Israel/Palestine. While there they met with academics, politicians, religious authorities, community leaders and activists and learned about their perspectives on the conflict. Since returning to campus the Olive Tree Initiative participants have shared their experiences and insights in more than 40 forums on and off campus. In April 2009 they hosted a three-day UC Student Leadership Summit which resulted in seeing the Olive Tree Initiative adopted by other UC campuses.

Watch a short documentary about Olive Tree Initiative.

UPDATE OTI 2009

Continuing in the footsteps of the first group, a second group of students and faculty is planning to travel to Israel/Palestine in September 2009. In order to make this trip of 21 possible we need again to raise $70,000. Please help us fund our mission so we can help improve understanding and civil dialogue about the conflict in Israel/Palestine, both on and off campus.