Twenty-five journalists from Brazil, who represent their country’s most prominent media outlets, visited KKL-JNF sites as part of a course organized by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Alongside their meetings with senior Israeli officials and hearing about political and security issues, the visit to KKL-JNF projects showcased what is being done in Israel for the benefit of people and the environment.
“It’s important for us to present different sides of Israel, not only to discuss political and security issues,” said
Gil Novick, the group coordinator of the International Institute of Leadership, which is an extension of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Cooperating with KKL-JNF makes it possible for us to expand the discussion and discuss topics like environmental development and protecting the environment.”
The journalists arrived for a two-week course, during which they toured the country, met various Israeli public figures and discussed diverse topics. During the day that was devoted to KKL-JNF, the group visited the Ilanot Forest Visitors Center, the Yad Hannah Sewage Treatment Plant and the Alexander River. The day concluded with planting trees in the Tzora-Presidents (HaNassi) Forest.
“We are happy to welcome you to the KKL-JNF sites and to tell you about our organization’s activities,” said KKL-JNF Latin American Project Coordinator Eldad Gafni. “Besides its other activities, KKL-JNF is involved in developing water sources, protecting the environment, creating parks, strengthening peripheral communities and of course
afforestation.”
This was not the first group of journalists that KKL-JNF’s Latin American Department had hosted with the goal of showing them a more complete picture of Israel than what is portrayed in the media, and strengthening the bond with the Jewish and non-Jewish inhabitants of these countries. Last June, for example, a group of journalists from 15 Latin American countries also visited Israel.
For most of the members of the delegation, this was their first visit to Israel.
“My family was somewhat concerned when they heard I’m coming here,” admitted
Fernanda Russo, who is from Rio de Janeiro. “Israel is a beautiful country, and I was surprised by the sense of security we all enjoy here.”
Ilanot Forest: Trees and Technology
The day began at the Ilanot Forest Visitors Center in the Sharon region. Advanced technological means transform the visit to the forest into an unforgettable experience. The journalists rode virtual reality bicycles, learned about the different parts of trees through digital displays, became familiar with the world’s different types of forests thanks to an interactive globe, and matched different species of trees to a map. Visitors to the center can also watch movies on wrap-around screens and participate in a trivia quiz. The new visitors’ center was built with the support of friends of KKL-JNF from Denmark.
Needless to say, the experience of a visit to the forest could not be complete just through screens, so the delegation members also went for a walk through the trees. Visitors center director Tovit Shapira explained that Ilanot Forest was planted during the country’s first years of existence, with the purpose of investigating the possible acclimation of various species of trees from around the world. Seven hundred types of trees from all over the world were planted at this site. The forest was abandoned for years, until KKL-JNF began to care for it, transforming it into a botanical garden. The development of the forest and making it accessible to people with disabilities was made possible thanks to the support of JNF USA.
“Israel is in fact different than Brazil, but this is a very beautiful country,” said Fellipe Jardini of San Paulo. “You have a new country that is always thinking about the future. It is very impressive to see KKL-JNF’s work for the benefit of the environment.”
Emek Hefer: Purifying Water
From Ilanot, the group went for a visit to the Nablus River Sewage Purification Plant, which is located on the border with the Palestinian Authority. The polluted water comes from the Palestinian side of the border from Nablus River and the sewage of the city of Tulkarem and is treated in order to lessen the pollution in Alexander River.
Umberto Yaakov, a member of the Sewage Purification Plant’s operating staff, noted that the current goal is to upgrade the plant so that it will be possible to improve the quality of the water, to deal with the huge quantities of sewage, and to prevent pollution in Alexander River. There can be no doubt that cooperation with the Palestinian Authority is the key to the success of the project, for the benefit of both sides.
“It’s very interesting to visit sites that are not necessarily tourist attractions, but rather present the challenges that Israel faces,” said Suzi Katzumata from San Paulo. “In spite of all the difficulties, Israel successfully maintains a high standard of living for its inhabitants.”
Alexander River: Life Returns
From the sewage purification plant, the delegation went for a visit to Italy Park - Alexander River, which flows through the Hefer Valley. The source of the stream is in the Samarian Mountains and from there it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. KKL-JNF has been working on rehabilitating the stream, and thanks to its efforts, one of the most polluted streams in Israel has become a beautiful gem of nature.
At Turtles Park on the Alexander River, which was created thanks to the support of friends of KKL Italy, the delegation visited a model section of the stream that KKL-JNF rehabilitated. The foul-smelling sewage canal was brought back to life and was transformed into a magical nature corner. The clean flowing water, the abundant river vegetation and the many animals that have returned to the river have made this site into a popular attraction for nature lovers from all over Israel.
The delegation climbed up the observation tower, where they had a view of the entire region and the beautiful park.
The park is especially famous for the rare soft-shell turtles that live in the stream. The guests were amazed by the turtles, who seemed to stick their heads out of the water in order to say ‘hi’. They walked along the riverbank and enjoyed the green surroundings along with the gently caressing winter sun. When the time came to continue the day’s program, some people expressed their regret, since they simply wanted to stay there longer.
Tzora-Presidents Forest: Planting Trees
The adventure-filled day came to an end with a tree planting experience at Tzora-Presidents Forest. The KKL-JNF Tree Planting Center invites people from all over the world to plant a tree in the Land of Israel, and the Brazilian journalists were also privileged to have such an opportunity.
“Planting a tree is a symbolic act that also has a great deal of environmental importance,” said Oren Barel, who is responsible for Brazil in the Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Latin American Division. “KKL-JNF has merited international acclaim in the field of combatting desertification, and the knowledge it has amassed helps Israel to strengthen its ties with many countries throughout the world.”
Tzora-Presidents Forest spreads out over an area of about 2,750 acres. KKL-JNF began planting it about 60 years ago, and since then has been diversifying the forest with local species and developing recreation sites, observation points and hiking paths.
KKL-JNF Tree Planting Center Director Eran Zabadi welcomed the delegation and showed them how to plant the trees.
“For over 100 years KKL-JNF has been planting hundreds of thousands of trees annually,” he said. “Thanks to these plantings, you can enjoy the green vistas around you. It is importance for us to share the planting experience with tourists who come to Israel. Remember that there is a person behind every tree you see here.”
Thaisa Barcelo from San Paulo read aloud the Planter’s Prayer.
“When you visit Israel, you just can’t ignore this country’s unique spiritual energy,” she said. “Planting a tree in the land of Israel is truly a special experience.”
The members of the group planted terebinth and oak trees with their own two hands, covering the roots of the tender saplings with earth.
Lucas Bueno summed it all up: “We really must thank KKL-JNF for painting Israel green.”