A tree planting activity brought together elderly participants from Jerusalem and Bethlehem, with young volunteers taking part from the beginning of the day. The activity connected the elderly of Our Lady of the Annunciation in Jerusalem with the elderly of the Antonian Charitable Society in Bethlehem.
Volunteering played an important role in strengthening trust and cooperation between participants, and connection to the land. Youth from different areas and the Salesian Scouts, joined the elderly in this planting initiative in the streets and helped to make nature more beautiful. Their presence helped create a strong and natural relationship between the youth and the elderly, to ensure that both generations enjoy a better quality of life. Beyond that, the aim of this activity is to introduce the elderly to their rights, and teach the youth about the rights of the elderly.
For the elderly, being outside, working with the soil, and interacting with young people brought a sense of participation, comfort and provided psychological support for them. The activities helped reduce isolation and allowed them to engage with new people from other areas, try new things beyond their daily routine.
Supported by Caritas Jerusalem, the activity showed how simple agricultural work can bring people together, strengthen the relationship between youth and the elderly. It reflects Caritas Jerusalem’s mission to help vulnerable people, promote dignity and participation, strengthen community ties through work with the land.
