The Jewish Community of Cyprus has apologised and backed down following a public outcry over its plan to hold a tree planting ceremony opposite Vergina Lyceum in honour of Donald Trump for securing the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
The event’s initial stated purpose provoked strong reactions from the school’s parents, Larnaca residents, and the Municipality, which had granted permission only for a general tree planting, not an event with political overtones.
In a letter sent to the Larnaca Municipality today, the Jewish Community of Cyprus expressed regret that the “upcoming tree planting ceremony has been given a political character” and that “its purpose was misinterpreted.”
The community stated that the sole purpose of the initiative “has always been to honour, commemorate, and celebrate the recent signing of the peace agreement.” It added: “It has never been our aim to introduce any political dimension, to cause discomfort, or to convey any message that could be interpreted as divisive. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or misunderstanding that may have arisen.”
The letter noted that the organisers have been instructed to modify the invitation to clearly reflect the event’s actual purpose: a tree planting ceremony in honour of the signing of the peace agreement.
The letter concludes by stating that the “Jewish Community of Cyprus warmly welcomes every person who believes that peace, unity, and the preservation of life are values worth celebrating. All who share these values are invited to join us at the ceremony.”
Police presence expected at event
Meanwhile, the Police told Phileleftheros that officers will be present at the event, which is scheduled for 11:00 on Sunday morning. Due to the event, the Larnaca Divisional Police Headquarters will issue an Operation Order.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) yesterday that the Municipality was unaware that the tree planting was planned to honour the President Donald Trump.
Vyras said the information they received was that the community “would proceed with the planting of 50 trees as part of its social and environmental contribution. They had not informed us that an event would take place, nor did we know that the tree planting would be in honour of the President of the United States, Donald Trump.”
Vyras said that a permit for a tree planting in honour of the American President was not granted, and in a phone conversation, the community was told they should have informed the Municipality of that purpose.
Vyras noted that there are “quite a few reactions to the matter, as we received many phone calls from people who reacted and mentioned that there might be protests on the day of the tree planting.”
The Vergina Lyceum Parents’ Association also issued an announcement stating that the school has no involvement in the tree planting, which will take place outside its grounds.
