KKL-JNF contributed to the festivities at the Knesset’s 67th anniversary celebration on Tuesday January 19 by distributing thousands of herb saplings to visitors who took part in a multitude of activities at the Knesset, many led by MKs throughout the day, including sand painting, a giant Lego display of the Knesset building, judo and karate demonstrations, spin classes, an animal corner, open discussions on matters of public interest, and musical performances.
A large white tent was set up at the exit of the Knesset and as the visitors left they were greeted by enthusiastic KKL-JNF national service volunteers who presented them with plant-holders containing basil, rosemary, za’atar (hyssop), rocket, mint and other varieties of green herbs.
“Lots of people think that KKL-JNF has ended its role and now that the State of Israel has been created, Israel KKL-JNF is not needed anymore. But I say that we can’t just stay in the past, and KKL-JNF adjusts itself to the current needs of Israel all the time,” said national service volunteer Ido, who was too busy distributing plants to give his last name. “KKL-JNF still connects people to their roots and to nature. Kids these days are all too often connected to their computer screens or smart phones. We want to take them away from there and into nature.”
“We are here to remind people of the importance of their connection with a little bit of green”, said KKL-JNF's Zehavit Rafaeli, who headed the herb distribution project with the assistance of other KKL-JNF staff.
The Knesset anniversary took place just a few days before the popular Tu Bishvat holiday, which has become associated with KKL-JNF because of its involvement with tree planting and afforestation. “And since we are so close to Tu Bishvat it is only fitting that we bring a bit of the holiday to the celebrations”, Rafaeli concluded.
KKL-JNF national service volunteer Goni Liraz said the volunteers were happy to represent the younger generation of KKL-JNF, and to remind people of the invaluable services they to the community as volunteers, including free and low-cost tours and events, activities with children, and other community education work.
“We are making people happy here, handing out the plants, and more importantly letting them know that gap year volunteers for KKL-JNF help provide them with a lot of projects and events at no or low costs,” she said.
People broke out into smiles and happy exclamations of surprise when they entered the tent and were greeted by the enthusiastic and infectious singing and dancing of the volunteers as they handed the herbs to the departing visitors. Some people even joined in the singing and dancing.
“Wow, it was very surprising and beautiful to receive the herbs,” exclaimed Bara’ah Dereieh, aged 18, of Bethlehem as she left the tent with a basil plant in tow.
“It was a lot of fun with the young people and it is always nice to receive a present. A sapling is something that grows and gives, it is not something that you just put in your mouth,” noted Sara Shani of Gush Etzion.
Yuda Atun was all smiles as he took his proffered sapling: “It is a beautiful present for the holiday. It connects us to our roots and reminds us to be aware of the importance of caring for the green spaces in the world,” he said.
For others, the saplings were important for their significant culinary use and family traditions. Roni Shalom of Herzlyia was happy with his new za'atar sapling, which he said his father likes to sprinkle on his fava beans.
Holding up his za’atar plant, 17-year-old Jaber Ali of Abu Gosh explained how traditionally the plant leaves can be used boiled in a tea to soothe a sore throat.
“This is more than just an ordinary present,” he said. “It is a present that gives back something not only to me but also to the earth. Plants give oxygen. By planting this I know I am also contributing to the environment where I live.”