Thousands of refugees who have fled their home countries in times of war and famine have sent a message back home – urging for peace back home.
According to Mashable, the bright orange peace sign appeared on a hillside on the Greek island of Lesbos, after volunteers from Greenpeace, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and local supporters worked alongside refugees from Syria and Iraq to form the symbol.
Made up of more than 3,000 life jackets, the sign marks the journey those who have crossed the sea have already made, hoping that others won’t be forced to leave their homes to find a safer refuge.
#Refugees lifejackets used to form peace sign on island of Lesbos #safepassage https://t.co/1i1mp7erGu pic.twitter.com/6qWoNe1bqj
— kostas rossoglou (@kostasrossoglou) January 1, 2016
The location also marks a special spot for refugees, as the Greek island has become a main passageway for those fleeing for Europe.
Speaking about the symbol, Greenpeace wrote on their blog:
‘We also urge our supporters to share the peace sign image in honour of the refugees and migrants and as a way of thanks to the volunteers and local communities on Lesbos working to ensure that 2016 can start with a safe passage.’
The image asking for lasting peace in 2016 has now gone viral.
Lead Image: Florian Schulz/ Greenpeace
