Americans and Iranians plant the tree of friendship

Americans and Iranians plant the tree of friendship

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By Mitra Dehmobed, Amordad correspondent
TEHRAN (Amordadnews): The 106^th tree of rriendship and global peace was planted in the Park of Artists' House in Tehran, in the presence of 6 Americans.
This sapling is the 106^th tree that was being planted by Nassim Yousefi and Jafar Edrissi, the first Iranian world touring couples.
On the anniversary of planting the tree of peace and pledge in Palijad Park in the City of Spocken in USA, they planted a tree with the same purpose and for the sake of spreading peace and calm all around the world and in Iran.
Jafar Edrissi explained:  "Me and my wife, Nassim, in our two years tour round the world with bicycle, rode on bicycle all around the world to carry the message of peace of Iranians for the world.  In this trip, for showing Iran to the world and with the slogan of preserving nature, we showed films of Iran's nature and with the aim of global peace we would plant a tree of that country in every city that we would pass."
At the request of Shahrokh Nikfar, a citizen of Spocken, these two Iranians will go to this city to plant their tree of peace.  According to Edrissi, when planting the tree of peace in America, which their 34^th tree, they came to know a woman who was planting trees in memory of her daughter who had died.  According to the mother, this daughter, like Nassim and Jafar rode the bicycle round the world to plant trees and spread the message of peace but in this trip she met an accident and died.  From that day her mother plants trees in memory of her daughter, Suzi.
Jafar Edrissi said:  "We and Suzi's mother planted our tree of peace together in the Palijad Park.  We planted our 34^th tree and she planted her 70^th tree."
According to Edrissi, when planting the tree of peace in Spocken, the people of Spocken decided to come to Iran and with the same aim plant trees in Iran.
This event took place on 26 Ordibehesht (16 May 2009) and 6 Americans planted the tree of peace in the Artists Home Park.
Edrissi said: "During this period we took these Americans to many sightseeing places in Iran.  They have seen Iranians and a lot of their customs and this is what they say:  "It is unbelievable.  Iran has a beautiful nature and kind people, while Iranians have been given the image of terrorists who carry rifles in their pockets."
Edrissi concluded:  "Peace will come when there is enough knowledge among the people.  The whole world should know about Iran and Iranians and that they do not carry guns.  Iran is the land of peace."


From right to left:  Shahrokh Nikfar, John and his son, Jackson, Jafar Edrissi, Nassim Yousefi, Tom, Pam and her child, Zek.


Planting of the tree of friendship in the Artists Home Park.


Planting of the tree of friendship in the Artists Home Park.


Planting of the tree of friendship in the Artists Home Park.


Planting of the tree of friendship in the Artists Home Park.


Planting of the tree of friendship in the Artists Home Park – after planting the tree, they tied a handwritten script in English, with this meaning: Our small tree, maybe, together with the growth of peace and friendship among our countries, will also grow.


Americans' handwriting on the tree of friendship:  Our small tree, maybe that you will grow up together with the growth of peace and friendship among countries.


Planting of the tree of friendship in the Artists Home Park.


Planting the tree of friendship in the Artists Home Park – the group of Iranians who were present in this ceremony had requested that everyone writes something and hangs it on the tree.

 
Planting of the tree of friendship in the Artists Home Park. 

photographer:  Siamak Jamshidizadeh
Translation by Rowshan Lohrasbpour