September 26: The Israeli desert town of Nir Moshe gathers to inaugurate their new community forest, which was developed by KKL-JNF with their cooperation, with the support of KKL Switzerland.
Hundreds of local residents arrived to attend the opening of the newly upgraded Nir Moshe Community Forest. The event, which took place on the expansive green lawn in the center of the Nir Moshe Moshav, included activities for all ages, including inflatable swings and slides, workshops, and food stands. A performance by young and upcoming star, 14 year old Agam Buhbut, provided the highlight of the afternoon.
The event began with the dedication of a new sculpture situated just inside the adjacent Nir Moshe Community Forest. It was conceived and created by Israeli sculpting couple, David and Amira Yasoor of “Stone-Age”, which specializes in environmental sculptures. David Yasoor said that after they were commissioned to create the sculpture, they examined the location and took two dominant features into account in the design.
“The first was the tree studded panoramic view, and the second was the prevailing quiet and tranquility. The sculpture is designed in such a way that it provides a frame to view the surroundings while emitting wind-generated sounds and music. A gentle breeze will produce calm sounds and energetic gusts will howl.”
KKL-JNF World Chairman Danny Atar and Merhavim Regional Council Head Shai Hajaj, unveiled the stone plaque on the sculpture which is inscribed with the words:
“Think good, speak good, do good.”
The Nir Moshe Community Forest is dotted with picnic spots and scenic lookouts and crisscrossed by a network of trails for cycling and walking. The forest, which attracts visitors from all over the country and from abroad, was planted in the 1950’s by KKL-JNF, and covers 1243 dunam (about 300 acres) of pines, eucalyptus, cypress trees and lots of shrubs.
Recent renovations, made possible thanks to a generous donation from KKL Switzerland, and carried out by KKL-JNF, included forging new paths, upgrading existing trails, erecting more lookout points, constructing 3 accessible sites for people with special needs, creating sitting areas, displaying new signs for guidance and education, and opening extra forest access points with convenient parking lots.
KKL-JNF Community and Forest Coordinator in the Western Negev Galit Buzaglo said that the reason they decided to transform the Nir Moshe Forest into a community forest is because it is so close to Nir Moshe and other nearby communities.
“The people who live there are eager to be part of the forest and participate in KKL-JNF projects. All these outdoor activities are just outside their front door! We also have sports events that they help organize and take part in, such as upcoming International Walking Day, which will take place on the new walking track.”
Meirav Even Haim, Coordinator in the KKL-JNF-affiliated MAOF Youth Leadership Program said that the Nir Moshe Community Forest has become an integral part of their activities. She was directing several young participants of the MAOF program who were volunteering at the opening event. They were all wearing white T shirts with the KKL-JNF logo and the label “KKL-JNF Volunteer” in Hebrew.
The Nir Moshe community and its adjacent forest is situated in the Merhavim Regional Council in the Western Negev, which includes some 13,000 residents in 15 agricultural communities. Merhavim Regional Council Head Shai Hajaj said that the area is prospering due to the quality and values of its residents and the unwavering support from KKL-JNF.
“I want to thank KKL-JNF and its chairman, my friend, Danny Atar, for all they have done for us over the years. We are truly grateful. The projects are too numerous to mention. I will just draw attention to the MAOF Young Leadership Program which keeps our kids busy with good activities while nurturing them for the future.”
Chairman of the Nir Moshe Residents Committee Amos Arlaki said that Nir Moshe community members have benefitted immensely from the generosity and support they received from KKL-JNF.
“None of this would have happened without KKL-JNF in general and KKL Switzerland in particular. Together we have created a spot that the whole country will enjoy.”
In response, KKL-JNF World Chairman Danny Atar said that KKL-JNF is keen to help wherever and whenever possible.
“That is what we do. We are always looking for ways to assist communities throughout the country, especially the smaller ones and those on the periphery. Allow me take this opportunity to wish one and all Shana Tova, a Happy New Year.”
The event ended with the singing and dancing performance by Agam Buhbut and her troupe, which held the audience, young and old, spellbound.