JNF Hosts Tree Planting Ceremony and Prayer Service in Memory of Victims of Devastating Terrorist Attacks on the U.S.

Jewish National Fund
Tuesday, 25 September 2001

Chief Rabbi of Israel, 300 Israeli School Children and JNF-KKL Dignitaries Come Together in a Show of Support

September 25, 2001 – New York, NY – Hundreds attended a Jewish National Fund-Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael (JNF-KKL) tree planting ceremony and service concurrent with the United States Day of Prayer in memory of the victims of the tragic September 11 terrorist attack on the U.S. The tree planting, which took place at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 23 at American Independence Park outside of Jerusalem, will serve as a living memorial to those tragically lost in the recent terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. JNF-KKL dignitaries were joined by Honorable Rabbi Meir Lau, Chief Rabbi of Israel, and 300 school children who came together in a show of support for those who perished in the recent terrorist attacks as well as the families and loved ones they left behind. This tree planting ceremony was also significant as it was the first tree planting of the Jewish new year 5762, completing the year-long Shmita, or Sabbatical Year - a time when trees are not planted in Israel in order to allow the land to rest.

Eighteen trees were planted in American Independence Park, the central location for commemorating the continued American support of the State of Israel and of Israeli partnership with the United States. It is a particularly fitting location for this dedication, as these trees take root among other great meaningful symbols of American-Israeli partnership, including USDA Forest Service groves of trees, the AIDS Memorial Forest inaugurated by the mother of Ryan White, and the memorial for the astronauts who lost their lives in the 1986 Challenger disaster.

Featured speaker Rabbi Lau showed his support for the U.S. in a heartfelt speech. He stated, "America is our greatest friend and ally, a great country which understands the values of freedom, independence, friendship, and brotherhood between men." Rabbi Lau went on to explain the significance of the tree planting. "A tree has roots and with strong enough roots, the hope exists that the tree will bear fruit. A tree is the bridge between the past, represented by its strong roots and the future, symbolized by the sweet fruit. We are gathered here together with representatives of the future - Israeli schoolchildren. They express the hope that in the future, we will plant trees, forests, woods - not in memory of people, as we do on this

sad day, but to celebrate the joys of life and freedom and the victory over terror and those who oppose freedom. We will overcome terror, defeat terror, and show people, nations, countries, races, and religions everywhere that mankind stands together, shoulder to shoulder, in the frontlines of this battle."

Three hundred students served as representatives for hundreds of thousands of Israeli schoolchildren, and many Israelis with roots in the United States attended as well. Vicki Revzin, a student from De Shalit School in Rehovot, spoke on behalf of her fellow students. In a moving speech she stated, "A terrible tragedy has recently befallen the American people. We are all shocked by the pain, the destruction, and the horrible loss. Their pain is our pain. We know that it will take time to overcome the shock and the pain, but we are confident that a country which stands for freedom, liberty and equality will pull itself together and face the challenges that await it."

Many JNF-KKL dignitaries were present to witness this outpouring of emotion and stand in unity with America in its time of need. United States Ambassador to Israel Daniel Kurtzer was unable to attend due to his responsibilities with the tense situation, but sent his greetings and expressed his disappointment at not being able to attend.

JNF-KKL World Co-Chairman Shlomo Gravetz concluded the touching ceremony with a powerful statement against terrorism. "We are with you, America, in spirit, soul, and heart. These first eighteen trees commemorate the memory of thousands of American citizens who are the victims of terrorism. In Jewish life, the planting of trees symbolizes life, future, and hope. By planting these trees today, we hope to show the world that we will never surrender to terrorism," said Gravetz.

In response to the numerous calls JNF has received, the eighteen trees planted on Sunday in Israel will serve as the beginning of a memorial forest in American Independence Park for victims of terrorism from the September 11 tragedy.

For more information, or to contact Jewish National Fund, see their website at: www.jnf.org