Happy birthday, Israel! Diplomatic Corps

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In honour of Israel’s 75^th 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 yesterday at a KKL-JNF Forest, near Yad Vashem Museum in Jerusalem.

Photo: Yossi Zamir/KKL-JNF

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, the head of the diplomatic corps read a special tree-planting prayer, H.E. Martin Mwanambale, Zambian Ambassador to Israel

Head of The Australian desk Esti Goldwasser and ambassador Dr Ralph King Photo: Yossi Zamir/KKL-JNF

The tree planting, initiated jointly by KKL-JNF and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is meant to emphasise 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.

Australia’s ambassador to Israel, Dr Ralph King attended the event. 

Eli Cohen, Minister of Foreign Affairs said: “Planting 75 trees together with the ambassadors to Israel symbolises the Jewish people’s deep connection with the Land of Israel, as well as the State of Israel’s strength and prosperity, on the 75^th 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.”

 KKL-JNF Chairwoman Yifat Ovadia-Luski, added: “In Leviticus, the Bible says: “… Come into the land and plant any kind of tree for food…”. The best way to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the State of Israel is by planting trees that symbolise 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 organisation that actively combats the climate crisis, in collaboration with international organisations 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 honour us with their presence today, planting a tree in honour of the State of Israel.”