KKL-JNF Tu Bishvat events will be taking place over the next month, with an emphasis on the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence, along with promoting unity between all the communities and sectors of Israeli society. Among the many events scheduled are Tu Bishvat seders in various communities, “Plant and Go” activities for the general public, special tours, joint activities in the spirit of coexistence, and festive celebrations and activities at KKL-JNF nurseries. Here is our first holiday news brief, which describes moving planting activities and Tu Bishvat seders.
Youth movements march, plantings at Eshtaol Forest, Latrun and Neve Shalom:
On January 21, youth group members and counselors from all of Israel’s youth groups, accompanied by KKL-JNF guides, went for a mass march. About 350 youths from all the youth groups attended the event, including Israel Scouts, Bnei Akiva, Arab Scouts, immigrant camps, Druze Scouts, Maccabi, Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed, and more. Together with KKL-JNF guides, participants went for a hike on the Israel National Trail. At the end of the march, the youth group members, accompanied by KKL-JNF, planted more than 200 saplings, which will serve as a cornerstone for the Israel Youth Movements Forest Grove. This event opened KKL-JNF’s annual TuBishvat celebrations under the banner “Planting for Unity”, marking the 70th anniversary of Israel’s independence.
In continuation of the many years of partnership between KKL-JNF and Israel’s youth movements, the youth movement counselors were trained by KKL-JNF guides, who taught them about KKL-JNF values – protecting nature and the environment, the importance of trees and their contribution to the world and to humanity, sustainability and ecological Zionism. The purpose of the training course series was to empower the counselors, to increase their ability to lead outdoor tours and to learn how to act in an appropriate and safe way in nature.
Eilat Birdwatching Park – Planting with IDF orphans:
In KKL-JNF’s southern region, Tu Bishvat events began with the first planting in Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city, at a festive and moving event also attended by IDF orphans.
Tu Bishvat activities in the Bedouin sector in the city of Rahat:
KKL-JNF’s Education Division held a planting event and educational activities with KKL-JNF guides for the Bedouin community in the city of Rahat.
Tastes of the Valleys Festival:
KKL-JNF’s Northern Region opened Tu Bishvat activities at the Museum of the Valley at Kibbutz Yifat, as part of the Tastes of the Valleys Festival, where a mini-KKL-JNF nursery was set up.
Community TuBishvat Seders:
Community Tu Bishvat Seders began throughout the country with the participation of various communities. The first Tu Bishvat seder took place at the village of Tarom in Israel’s central region. Additional seders will take place over the coming month at communities that reflect all the different facets of Israeli society.
You are invited to participate in the diverse Tu Bishvat events that KKL-JNF will be organizing throughout the country:
