A planned tree planting ceremony by the Jewish Community of Cyprus in honour of US President Donald Trump has caused a backlash in Larnaca, with sources at the city’s Municipality saying organisers did not disclose the event’s purpose when seeking a permit.
The event, which is scheduled for Sunday, 23 November 2025, involves planting 48 trees described by the organisers as “symbols of life and hope.” It is set to take place on Ioanni Kakridi Street, near Vergina Lyceum.
According to a statement from the Jewish Community of Cyprus, the ceremony is “in honour of U.S. President Donald Trump that caused the release of Israeli hostages and signing the peace agreement.” The event is also described as “a gathering of gratitude, unity, and peace.”
Municipality says it was not aware about event’s purpose
Sources from Larnaca Municipality said that the organisers initially contacted authorities on 17 October 2025, stating they wished to plant 50 trees as part of their “social contribution” to the city.
The sources said that the permit granted was for this stated purpose only, and the municipality was not informed that the event would honour the U.S. President.
Parents at the nearby school reacted strongly to the revelation, contacting the Parents’ Association to ask who had authorised the event.
Larnaca Municipal sources also underlined that the tree planting will take place on a traffic island opposite the school and not inside the Vergina Lyceum grounds, as stated in the Jewish Community’s announcement.
Information suggests the Municipality will not grant the organisers permission to place or install any kind of commemorative plaque or sign on the traffic island.
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