Celebrating 80 years ...

Since its establishment in 1901, Jewish National Fund has planted more than 240 million trees all over Israel. The country’s many forests are all hand-planted, according to JNF, Israel not having been blessed with any natural forests. And, as have other Diaspora communities, Canadians have contributed this wealth of green, which now covers more than 250,000 acres.

This photo from the June 21, 1957, Jewish Western Bulletin, marks the first tree planted in what was intended to become Canada Forest. Without an exact location given for this event – other than it took place “on the outskirts of Jerusalem” – it is hard to determine whether this forest eventually became Ayalon (Canada) Park, which was officially established after the Six Day War, or now exists under another name.

Visitors from Vancouver who witnessed the inaugural planting by Geoffrey Bruce, charge d’affaires of the Canadian embassy in Israel at the time, included Mr. and Mrs. Al Mann, Mr. and Mrs. J. Balshine and Mr. Dave Beckerman. If they or their relatives – or subsequent visitors to what was then called Canada Forest – have more information about where this tract of land is, the Jewish Independent would love to know more.

Of course, JNF is still busy at work planting trees, establishing reservoirs and generally making land useful for habitation and cultivation. Its project this year is to restore and develop Jerusalem’s old city walls and to develop an “archeological activities garden” and “scenic promenade” for the enjoyment of all visiting the ancient city.

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