Contenders in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest, from 26 different countries, participated in a tree planting event in the Tzora-Presidents Forest during their visit to Israel. The lively happening was held on April 14, 2018 as part of the promo event entitled Israel Calling, comprised of a 4-day tour around Israel, as well as media events, receptions and performances. The tree planting was undoubtedly one of the highlights of their tour.
"I was looking forward to visiting this beautiful and ancient place, so rich in history, but actually Israel even exceeded my expectations," said Rasmussen of Denmark.
Rainy overcast weather welcomed the guests, so anyone who thought that Israel was a land of eternal sun was in for a surprise. Luckily, the Keren Kayemet LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund team was prepared, and offered everyone both umbrellas and hats against the sun, and on a day with such capricious weather, both items seemed necessary.
Andy Michelson, KKL-JNF’s Chief of Protocol, welcomed the guests and told them a little about the organization he represents and its actions aimed at developing the country while preserving nature. "We believe that the power of music can break down cultural barriers," said Michelson. “Your presence here today can help create a better world. When you return to your homes, you’ll know that you left a tree behind you in Israel, a tree that will continue to live and grow in our land."
Alongside the KKL-JNF, additional partners in organizing the visit were the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, Ministry of Tourism, the Herzliya Municipality and the Tel Aviv Municipality.
With umbrellas in their hands, under the pouring rain, the artists marched to plant the trees. "The truth is that we didn’t expect to be planting trees in so much rain," admitted Bojan Trajkovski of Macedonia. "It may not be that good for us, but it’s certainly great for the trees."
Sennek of Belgium agreed: "The trees will probably grow very quickly now."
The Tzora-Presidents Forest spans over 1,100 hectares in the Judean lowlands. KKL-JNF began its plantings in the region about 60 years ago, and has since continued to diversify the forest with local species and to develop recreation areas, observation points and hiking trails. The planting center located in the forest enables many visitors from around the world to enjoy and participate in the tree planting experience in Israel.
"The opportunity to tour Israel and meet the other contestants was a once in a lifetime experience," said Jessica Mauboy of Australia. "Each one of us was privileged to plant his or her own tree and bring love back to Earth."
The visit to Israel was a fantastic experience for all participants, but there is no doubt that Alekseev of Belarus was the most excited. He had never met his father, who had immigrated to Israel before he was born. "This is the greatest adventure of my life, and a wonderful opportunity to meet my father for the first time," said Alekseev.
At the end of the planting ceremony, a press conference was held in the forest, during which the participants introduced themselves and answered questions posed by the interviewer, the well-known television host Galit Gutman. She presented each of the artists with a fortune cookie, which contained the question he/she was asked.
The excited singers all took the questions seriously, as befitting contestants in a prestigious international competition. Only Cesár Sampson of Austria took his cookie and ate it with great gusto. "You eat in the middle of the interview?” asked Guttmann incredulously. "Yes, because you gave me a cookie," he replied mischievously, making all the delegation members laugh.
Many Eurovision experts believe that Netta Barzilai, the Israeli representative, has a good chance of winning first place in the competition. She herself kept things in proportion and said: "As far as I'm concerned, I've already won with my very presence here, because I have been able to touch the hearts of so many people and inspire many boys and girls."
Before she left the forest, Cristina Caramarcu of Romania was busy cleaning her shoes of the mud. "We got wet and dirty, but at least we planted trees!” she declared with satisfaction.
During the bus ride, leva Zasimauskaite of Lithuania said that she would like to continue her visit to Israel. “I wish I were staying here until the Eurovision contest. Planting trees made me feel wonderful, as if I was planting a piece of my country here in Israel and we were all becoming a united community."
From the green forest, they returned to bustling Tel Aviv, to prepare for the show of Eurovision songs held that evening. The trees planted in Israel will continue to grow, as will the artists' dreams of winning the competition and gaining international fame.