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The Olive Tree Cross

Hand-Carved Olive Wood from Jerusalem, Holding Certified Soil from the Temple Mount

A tangible connection to where Jesus walked, sealed, numbered and certified. From the world's sole authorized seller of Temple Mount soil.

4.9 out of 5 from 77 verified buyers
Choose My Cross$59 · Free gift message · 90-day money-back guarantee
In stock and ready to ship for Christmas
✓ 90-day full refund✓ 4 interest-free payments✓ Certified & numbered
Excavated 1999 · Never again

Most believers dream of walking where Jesus walked. Most never get to go.

The Temple Mount is where Solomon built the First Temple, where the Second Temple stood, and where Jesus taught. For 3,000 years it has been the center of biblical history.

But a trip to Jerusalem is expensive and far away, and for many people it's out of reach. So how do you bring that connection home, for yourself or for someone you love?

"Since I can't be there in person this will be my way of being connected with the hope for the day when God will bring peace."Helen Reeves, California

In 1999, about 9,000 tons of earth were dug out of the Temple Mount and dumped in the Kidron Valley. Archaeologists Dr. Gabriel Barkay and Zachi Dvira started the Temple Mount Sifting Project to save it, sifting it by hand and recovering more than 500,000 artifacts, including a silver half-shekel from the Jewish revolt.

Excavated in 1999, and never to be excavated again. Now a small amount of that certified soil rests in a sealed capsule inside The Olive Tree Cross.

Each cross is carved from olive wood harvested in the Holy Land, with natural grain patterns that make every piece distinct. Because every cross is shaped by hand, no two are exactly alike. It lets you hold soil from the Temple Mount in your hands.

How you know it's real

From the Temple Mount to your home

Every cross can be traced from the soil to the numbered certificate in your hands.

1

Sifted in Jerusalem

Soil removed from the Temple Mount is sifted by hand by the Temple Mount Sifting Project, the only authorized body verifying and studying Temple Mount material.

2

Certified & signed

Once the archaeological artifacts are removed, the soil is certified, and each certificate is signed by the project's co-founders, Dr. Gabriel Barkay and Zachi Dvira.

3

Sealed, numbered & registered

It's sealed in a numbered capsule set into the cross, with provenance documents and a QR code. You can register your keepsake online.

A customer holding a numbered Certificate of Authenticity signed by Zachi Dvira and Dr. Gabriel Barkay

Every cross comes with a numbered, signed Certificate of Authenticity

"We the undersigned hereby certify that the attached is a true sample of soil from the Temple Mount, after sifting and removal of archaeological artifacts."Printed on every certificate, signed by Zachi Dvira & Dr. Gabriel Barkay, Co-founders, Temple Mount Sifting Project

The certificate also explains the soil's grey color: it contains ashes from the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

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Not just another Holy Land souvenir

Gift-shop crosses can look similar. Here's what sets this one apart.

FeatureOlive Tree CrossTypical Holy Land souvenir
Hand-carved Holy Land olive wood✓Sometimes
Contains real Temple Mount soil✓✗
Certified by the Temple Mount Sifting Project✓✗
Numbered certificate signed by the archaeologists✓✗
QR provenance + online registration✓✗
90-day full refund✓Rarely
The cross and certificate in a linen drawstring gift bag
The Olive Tree Cross showing the soil capsule
What you get

Everything in the box

  • ✓Handcrafted olive wood cross
    Carved from olive wood harvested in the Holy Land
  • ✓Numbered Temple Mount soil capsule
    Sealed in a gold-rimmed capsule with authenticity seal
  • ✓Signed Certificate of Authenticity
    Dr. Gabriel Barkay & Zachi Dvira
  • ✓Provenance documents
    With QR code verification and online registration
  • ✓Linen drawstring gift bag + free gift message
    Ready to give, nothing to wrap
Size8" tall × 4.5" wide × 1.75" deep (about the size of a paperback book)
MaterialHoly Land olive wood
NoteEvery cross is shaped by hand, so dimensions may vary slightly from the measurements and photos. That variation is part of what makes it one of a kind.
Customer reviews

"I'm in tears of joy"

4.9/5
77 reviews
5 stars91%
4 stars8%
3 stars1%
2 stars0%
1 star0%
Customer photo of the cross on a wooden table
★★★★★

"This was a birthday gift for my mom. She's a Christian who has been to Israel twice but when I gave her the cross with the Temple Mount soil she was incredibly touched by such a meaningful gift. She said it was beautiful and couldn't wait to display it in her home. It arrived very quickly and in its own little gift bag with a certificate of authenticity. All-around great experience with this company!"

Alison M. ✓ Verified buyer
Customer photo of the cross beside its certificate
★★★★★

"What a beautiful, well made cross. The wood is magnificent and the Temple Mount Soil mounted in the center has such a profound meaning to me. What a treasure this is!"

Joe M. ✓ Verified buyer
Customer photo of the cross on its linen bag
★★★★★

"Amazing olive cross with temple mount soil for those who hold into their faith in God, Jesus and The Holy Spirit. It is special if you value the birthplace of Jesus…"

Greighton R. ✓ Verified buyer
★★★★★

"I purchased this as a Christmas gift for my husband, who is a Pastor. I loved it so much that I couldn't wait until December to give it to him. He loves it just as much as I do!"

Susan ✓ Verified buyer
★★★★★

"My crosses were everything they said they would be. Absolutely beautiful and something very spiritual about holding the cross in your hand."

Travis W. ✓ Verified buyer
★★★★★

"Cannot even begin to explain how beautiful the cross is….. I'm in tears of joy"

Stephanie ✓ Verified buyer
★★★★★

"Love the originality, the story behind it and the look of it on my wall!"

Jayson ✓ Verified buyer
★★★★★

"It's everything I expected it to be. My wife is happy with it and that's really all that matters, since it was a present for her."

Robert ✓ Verified buyer
★★★★★

"This is an amazing cross and I love seeing it hanging in the parsonage every day!"

Ryan ✓ Verified buyer
The perfect gift

A gift they'll keep for a lifetime

It arrives in a linen gift bag with its certificate and a free gift message. There's nothing to wrap.

ChristmasA meaningful gift beneath the tree
PastorsFor the parsonage wall or the office desk
Parents & GrandparentsFor the believer who has everything
Baptisms & WeddingsA keepsake for a milestone of faith
Christmas gifting

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In stock · Ships in a linen gift bag with a free gift message
✓ 90-day full refund✓ 4 interest-free payments✓ Certified & numbered
90DAY
MONEY-BACK

Love it, or get every penny back

Not happy with your purchase? Return it within 90 days for a full refund. You can order today with no risk.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is the soil really from the Temple Mount?
Yes. The soil comes from the earth removed from the Temple Mount in 1999 and sifted by the Temple Mount Sifting Project. Each capsule is numbered and sealed, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by Dr. Gabriel Barkay and Zachi Dvira, plus provenance documents with a QR code.
Why is the soil grey?
As the certificate explains, the soil contains ashes from the destruction of the First and Second Temples, which gives it its grey color.
How big is the cross?
It's 8 inches tall, 4.5 inches wide and 1.75 inches deep, about the size of a paperback book. It fits on a wall, shelf or desk. Because each cross is shaped by hand, the size and grain vary slightly.
Can I send it as a gift?
Yes. It arrives in a linen drawstring gift bag with its certificate, and you can add a free gift message at checkout.
What if I don't like it?
Return it within 90 days for a full refund.
How much is shipping?
Standard US shipping is free when you order 3 or more crosses. Shipping for smaller orders is shown at checkout.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. You can split your order into 4 interest-free payments at checkout.
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