The grove, an initiative by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) and the B’nai B’rith World Center–Jerusalem, is set to be planted in the Jerusalem Forest near Yad Vashem. At the heart of the grove, an impressive Memorial Boulevard will be established, designed by Moria Architects and led by KKL-JNF’s Central Region, combining innovative architecture with the natural landscape of the forest. Presenting the heroic stories of the Jewish rescuers in a way that connects Holocaust remembrance with the flourishing landscapes of the Land of Israel.
The project includes an accessible path alongside a network of additional trails that will connect to various entrances of the forest. 36 stone pillars will be built along the grove, representing the 36 righteous ones (Lamed-Vav Tzadikim). Each pillar will be engraved with the names of recipients of the “Jewish Rescuer’s Citation,” awarded by the B’nai B’rith World Center–Jerusalem and the Committee to Recognize the Heroism of Jewish Rescuers During the Holocaust, creating a unique commemorative experience with lasting educational value for future generations.
Photograph by: Gideon Sharon, KKL-JNF
Ifat Ovadia-Luski, KKL-JNF Chairwoman , stated: "In the darkest period of the 20th century, when Europe was in flames and Jews faced constant threat of annihilation, social conventions wavered and solidarity within the Jewish community weakened. Despite this, many Jews risked their lives, and even sacrificed themselves, to save other Jews. With the establishment of the Jewish Rescuers Grove in partnership with the global B’nai B’rith organization, we honor the courage of those who saved their brothers and sisters by planting roots of remembrance and gratitude that will convey a message of bravery and heroism to future generations. In this carefully designed site, the stories of the Jewish rescuers will be presented, interwoven with the renewing landscape of Jerusalem."
Alan Schneider, Director of the B’nai B’rith World Center, said: "B’nai B’rith is proud that its initiative to establish a site, in partnership with KKL-JNF, to commemorate the heroism and legacy of Jewish rescuers during the Holocaust is now underway. The grove complements a previous joint project by B’nai B’rith and KKL-JNF – Martyrs' Forest – the first and largest site in the world dedicated to commemorating Holocaust victims. The heroes commemorated in the Jewish Rescuers Grove were not backed by any state or army, but by their Jewish and human commitment to help others in a critical and dangerous time. All of them—and others we are still discovering—took great risks; some paid for these risks with their lives. They teach us a vital chapter in Jewish heroism, one that is once again emerging in these very days."