Rhodes – Tree of hope
Tree of Hope
Island of Rhodes 25
Rhodes Wildfires – What Happened?
In July 2023, Greece suffered from a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures on Rhodes reaching up to 49 °C . A wildfire broke out on Rhodes around 18 July, quickly spreading due to high winds and dense vegetation. It became the largest wildfire evacuation in modern Greek history—approximately 19,000 people (residents and tourists) were evacuated by land and sea. Over 13,500 hectares of forest were destroyed. The island experienced significant ecological damage and a high risk of erosion. Greece responded by declaring a state of emergency, mobilizing over 260 firefighters, 18 aircraft, and broad international support.
Summer of 25 there are still large areas of burnt forest in the mountains and near the coast. Driving through these devastated areas, I saw this beautiful tree. It felt to me to be a symbol of Hope for the rejuvenation of the forest. I spent some time healing, burnt trees that still had some growth.
When we give attention and healing to a tree, there is a belief that it feels this in its roots. Since trees are connected through underground networks, I hope that in offering healing to one, we pass it on—quietly and invisibly—to others through the root system. A ripple of care beneath the earth.