In honor of Israel's 75th Independence Day, KKL-JNF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited the entire diplomatic corps in Israel to plant 75 trees, a symbol of growth, development, and the deep connection with the land of Israel, at a special ceremony held today (Wednesday) at a KKL-JNF Forest, near Yad Vashem Museum in Jerusalem.
75 ambassadors and diplomats from countries such as the United States, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, India, Japan, and Bahrain, among others, attended this exciting event hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen and KKL-JNF Chairwoman Yifat Ovadia-Luski, During the ceremony, before the ambassadors planted the trees, a special tree-planting prayer was read by the head of the diplomatic corps, H.E. Martin Mwanambale, Zambian Ambassador to Israel
The tree planting, initiated jointly by KKL-JNF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is meant to emphasize the deep connection and collaboration between the State of Israel and the diplomatic corps representing the various countries. There is no better way to connect people to the land of Israel than planting a tree in the soil of the holy land. the planted trees are not only symbolic, but will grow to become mature trees and help preserve and develop Israel, creating a lush sustainable environment in the area.
Eli Cohen, Minister of Foreign Affairs: "Planting 75 trees together with the ambassadors to Israel symbolizes the Jewish people's deep connection with the Land of Israel, as well as the State of Israel's strength and prosperity, on the 75th anniversary of its independence. I would like to express my gratitude to the ambassadors who took part in this project, giving expression to the friendship and international esteem Israel has gained around the world."
Yifat Ovadia-Luski, KKL-JNF Chairwoman: "In Leviticus, the Bible says: "... Come into the land and plant any kind of tree for food...". The best way to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the State of Israel is by planting trees that symbolize development, life, growth, and the abundance of the Israeli nature, right here, near the Yad Vashem Museum. Seeing ambassadors from different countries, who represent the deep bond between Israel and its friends around the world, planting trees in the land of Israel is very exciting. This symbolizes the warm relationship Israel has with its friends - one that grows closer as the years go by. I am proud to lead an organization which actively combats the climate crisis, in collaboration with international organizations and a host of countries which, together, are creating a better world. KKL-JNF protects nature all year round and works to develop forests for the benefit of the Israeli public. I welcome the ambassadors who honor us with their presence today, planting a tree in honor of the State of Israel."
H.E Martin Mwanambale, Head of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Zambia to Israel:" I feel honored and privileged to take part in this tree planting event, together with my fellow Ambassadors. It's a very symbolic act, as it expresses our collective good wishes for the future of Israel and its people. It's significant that this event is taking place during Israel's Seventy Fifth Independence Anniversary".
Photo from right to left:
Israel Goldstein chairman of the Kekel workers' union.
Yitzhak Vaknin Co-Chairman KKL JNF
Eli Cohen Minister of foreign affairs
Ms. Ifat Ovadia-Luski Chairwoman:
H.E Martin Mwanambale, Head of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Zambia to Israel:"
Mati Cohen, project manager of 75 years, minister of foreign affairs
Photo Credit: Yossi Zamir, KKL-JNF
