First there was Snoopy. Then came Charlie Brown and Lucy. Now, from TIVOLITOO, Inc., the same sculpting and design studio that created the Peanuts character statues comes the Peace Doves, striking five-foot statues commemorating Israel’s 60th birthday. More than 30 Peace Dove statues have been purchased by local businesses, families and organizations to create a lasting message of peace and will be displayed throughout Mall of America from May 16 through May 27. Each dove has been custom painted with an original theme by local artists - or in the case of some doves - groups of students.

“I wanted to do something big - that would leave a lasting impression and that would send a positive message about Israel and her true pursuit,” said Erez Frankel, St. Paul Community Shaliach (emissary) who came up with the idea. “What says peace better than a cheerful dove with an olive branch?”

After May 27, the Peace Dove statues will be delivered to their permanent homes throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul.  “It is really nice to be able to work on a project that is going to provide a lasting legacy to the Twin Cities Jewish community,” explained Hart Johnson, Vice-President of TIVOLITOO, Inc. “We are doing something, that to my knowledge, no other Jewish community has done. This project is truly representative of the wonderful community we have. So many people have stepped up to the plate to get involved and help make this project happen, and we at TIVOLITOO are happy that we are able to be a part of it.”

While some statues are being purchased to be displayed outside of businesses, others have been donated to local synagogues, camps and organizations. Whether you are dropping your kids off at Herzl Camp this summer, going to the St. Paul JCC for a workout, or attending a Bar Mitzvah at Temple Israel, chances are you will run into one of these amazing artistic creations.

"To Jewish people and people of many faiths, a Peace Dove appearing with an olive branch is a symbol of hope and peace,” explained Joe Goldberger, one of the Co-Chairs of the Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) Celebration and leaders of the Peace Dove Project. “In planning our community-wide celebration honoring Israel's 60th year, we wanted to create a powerful legacy, consistent with both our community's values and that of the Israeli people. Over 30 custom painted Peace Dove Statues will all remain on display throughout the Twin Cities for years, reminding everyone of our hope and determination for peace."

The Peace Dove Project is an initiative of the United Jewish Fund and Council of St. Paul and the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, in coordination with the Jewish Community Relations Council. If you are interested in purchasing a Peace Dove statue for your business or to donate to an organization, please click here for more information or contact Sharyn Effress Pesses at 651-695-3186, spesses@ujfc.org.