A time to plant, remember, and hope

Under the shadow of conflict along Israel’s borders, Keren Kayemet LeYisrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) celebrated the annual Tu Bishvat festival by emphasizing renewal, hope, and the deep connection of the Israeli people to their land through tree-planting ceremonies meant to honor memory and promote healing.

Why it matters

Planting Week and the resilient effort to reforest devastated areas signifies more than environmental stewardship; it’s a poignant expression of determination and healing following loss. Amidst hardship, trees become dual symbols, representing life’s continuity and the Israeli spirit’s indefatigability.

Reclaiming the land

KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski mobilized communities to engage in restorative plantings, cultivating new beginnings. Commemorating those affected by recent violence, especially at events such as the Supernova music festival, families planted trees to symbolize both personal and national resilience.

The heritage of heroism

New initiatives, like the Path of the Heroines in Ofakim Park, celebrate the valor of intrepid women. The project serves as a testament to the legacy of bravery that embodies the nation’s consciousness. Parentless environmental stewardship bans

Adaptable hope

Despite planting restrictions due to the ongoing security situation, KKL-JNF successfully adapted its Tu Bishvat festivities. Making clever use of virtual technologies allowed those in retirement homes, communities, and even soldiers at the frontlines to partake in planting, at least symbolically or through representation.

Foundations of support

KKL-JNF’s assistance in the crisis ranged from emergency aid to evacuations, with employees risking well-being for the welfare of others. Post-conflict recovery plans are already taking shape, aimed at repairing the ravages to forests and farmlands, underlining KKL-JNF’s vital role as custodian of green infrastructures.

A lasting legacy, every tree counts

Danny Ben-David, a director at KKL-JNF, reaffirms an unyielding commitment to guarding every inch of their natural heritage. For him, this dedication transcends conservation; it’s an assertion of hope, of certainty that peace will lead to a restored and rejuvenated Negev landscape.

In conclusion

Tu Bishvat 2024 holistically reflects the indomitable linkage between the people and their land in Israel. Regardless of conflict, regrowth, both literal and metaphorical, is an affirmed priority woven into the national fabric, ensuring that lush greenery will arise from the ashes of adversity. The community efforts not only aim to preserve Israel’s natural beauty but also fortify the collective spirit through an enduring connection to their shared homeland.

This story was first published on jpost.com.