A Muslim businessman has erected the tallest Christmas tree in Baghdad as a way of honoring Iraqi Christians during the holiday season.

Yassir Saad reportedly said that he wanted to help his fellow countrymen forget their pain over the crisis in Mosul by spreading yuletide cheer throughout the city.

MORE: Christians Protect Mosques on Fri., Muslims Guard Churches on Sunday

The $24,000 Christmas tree, measuring in at 85-feet-tall and 35 feet in diameter, was placed at the center of the capital’s amusement park.

“This tree represents love and peace,” teacher Saba Ismael told the Associated Press, as her students took photos with the tree. “I wish all Iraqi Christians could return to Iraq and live normal and peaceful lives.”

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