Former Prisoner of Zion Rabbi Yosef Mendelevitch attended the ceremony and shared his personal experiences of imprisonment and persecution in the Soviet Union for his Zionist activities. He was joined by Minister of Aliyah and Integration Knesset Member Ofir Sofer, KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski, and Mayor of Nof HaGalil Ronen Plot, who all honored the meaningful event with their presence.
Initiated and established by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) with the support of the Nof HaGalil Municipality, the Prisoners of Zion Grove commemorates the efforts of more than 500 men and women who were persecuted, tried, and imprisoned in various countries for their Zionist activities and their struggle to immigrate to Israel.
Most Prisoners of Zion originated from the former Soviet Union, yet the term encompasses Jews from other dictatorial regimes as well, such as Iraq, Yemen, Morocco, and Ethiopia. Many of these individuals have since passed away, with their stories yet to receive formal national recognition.
The Prisoners of Zion Grove at the KKL-JNF Churchill Forest is meant to be a place of remembrance and gratitude, learning and intergenerational connection – a place to lovingly remember the quiet heroism of spiritual warriors.
Rabbi Yosef Mendelovich, a Prisoner of Zion himself, first proposed the idea to establish the grove: "I approached KKL-JNF with a request to establish a grove bearing the names of the Prisoners of Zion, who suffered for their steadfast commitment to their Jewish identity and to Zionism. I am grateful the idea was met with support, and that the grove was established here in Nof HaGalil, in the Churchill Forest."
KKL-JNF Chairwoman Ifat Ovadia-Luski stated: "The Prisoners of Zion symbolize unwavering values, courage, and loyalty to the Jewish identity. This grove recognizes their invaluable contribution and connects the Jewish people’s past to the present and future of the State of Israel as a free and sovereign nation."
Mayor of Nof HaGalil Ronen Plot emphasized the importance of the grove for future generations: "Students from the city and the region will visit here, learn, and be exposed to the stories of these heroes who fought not only with weapons – but with faith and determination – for their right to live as free Jews in the Land of Israel."
Minister of Aliyah and Integration Ofir Sofer added: "Prisoners of Zion are the pioneers of our time. They risked their lives to return home after thousands of years in exile. It is our duty to honor their actions and proudly tell their stories."