The date of the incident could not be determined; the employees said that weather conditions were responsible for the fall of the historic tree, yet there is evidence that a saw had been used to cut the tree, which had been supported by logs.
Two areas of the wall surrounding the site seemed to have been damaged: one by fire, and another area possibly by the fall of the tree.
Although the first two growths of the tree, which date from the time of the Holy Family’s visit, were weakened, the third and newest growth of the tree, dating from the Middle Ages, was alive until the recent incident.
The damage of the cement wall appeared consistent with a tree falling, indicating that it had been deliberately cut. Although a layer of mud had been applied where the tree had been cut; some areas of the tree which were clean indicated that the incident occurred recently.
A Muslim woman living adjacent to the tree said that she used to see it from the window of her house, and that she was surprised by its demolition.
Father Barsoom Shaker, the priest of St. Mary Church of Mataria, said, “The church has no relation to the archeological site, which is subject to the Archeological Authority.” He added that the tree was ignored for years, and there was no wall to protect it, although a Coptic businessperson built a wall ten years ago; the same businessperson called the authorities to request protection for the site providing protection to the archeological site, he added.
Father Shaker said the residents of Mataria respect the tree, and blamed Islamists for the incident.
The Mary Tree sprouted from the roots of the tree that sheltered the Holy Family when they fled to Egypt. The third growth of the tree dated from 1672 AD.
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Edited from http://www.mcndirect.com/showsubject.aspx?id=49950