With the help of the B'nai B'rith organization, KKL-JNF began planting the Martyrs Forest in the early 1950s. The forest was planted by representatives of Jewish communities from all over the world, holocaust survivors and founders of surrounding towns. The forest contains six million trees, commemorating the six million victims of the holocaust.
In 1995, Mr. Ovadia Ben-Shalom, alongside the chairman of KKL-JNF, the head of the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council and prominent guests, brought up the vision of plating a forest the will commemorate the great contribution of the Yemen Jewish Community in Israel to the establishment of the state.
The Yemen Jewish Community Forest, which is a part of the Martyrs Forest, was planted to commemorate the coming of Yemenite Jews to Israel and their role in the establishment of the state. After over a year of renovations, the recreation area has reopened, with new illustrated signs featuring events from the history of the Yemen Jewish community, along with an interactive game that turns a visit to the forest into an unforgettable experience. In addition, an accessible trail for disabled people, a stage for traditional Yemenite dancing, a bonfire circle, picnic tables, a barbeque spots, a scenic lookout and more were added to the recreation area.
The scenic lookout commemorates the fallen who died on their way from Yemen to Israel. The names of the fallen are included in a special database, providing historical justice for those who could not realize their dream of coming to Israel.
Haim Cohen, a member of the KKL-JNF board and head of the KKL-JNF communications committee, was present at the forest's opening ceremony, which also features mayors and public figures and headed by Dr. Yigal Ben Shalom, chair of the Society for Preservation of Yemenite Jewish Social and Cultural Heritage. Cohen said, "KKL-JNF is glad to take part in this project, and thanks all those involved. An interesting anecdote concerns the history of the area, where the first transit area for newcomers from Yemen was established. The site is accessible, and invites the public for a unique experience that brings together a look into the rich cultural and historical world of the Yemenite Jewish community."