More than any other time of the year, the Passover holiday is a time for being in nature and going on outings to celebrate spring. Hundreds of thousands of visitors packed KKL-JNF’s forests and parks. In a number of selected sites, KKL-JNF organized guided tours for the general public.
The KKL-JNF Events Department, together with KKL-JNF’s regional public relations and community coordinators and park directors, prepared a variety of activities for the general public during the Passover holiday. Thousands of visitors arrived from throughout the country and enjoyed guided tours, walks, musical performances and information stalls at central sites where KKL-JNF staff greeted the visitors.
Among the sites with the most visitors were Hula Lake Park, where thousands of people came to watch the amazing sights provided by the birds in the park. Thousands set up tents at KKL-JNF’s parks and overnight campsites, enjoying the pleasant experience of being in nature during spring.
Among the many events were the Second Katzrin and Golan Heights March, marking 70 years of Hebrew song. Thousands of walkers from all over Israel participated in the march, including a group of over 200 new immigrants from the Nefesh BeNefesh organization.
Among the many events held by KKL-JNF were:
“Walking with Wings” – At birdwatching sites where KKL-JNF is active, there were shuttles available for the general public. Sites included Yeruham Park, Beersheva River Park and the ANZAC Museum, and Hula Lake Park. An excursion for private cars took place at the Carmel and at the Nahsholim pools. During these tours, participants were greeted by birdwatchers who led ringing and birdwatching workshops.
“Trees Singing Songs” – A celebration for the entire family at Ilanot Forest. During the intermediate days of the Passover holiday, about 8,000 people visited this site. There were tours of the site every day along with activities at different hours for a total of 27 tours.
“Passover at Beit Eshel – From Slavery to Freedom” – About 1,500 people visited the Mitzpe Bet Eshel site during the holiday, including families, soldiers, organized groups, and more. Local guides led walks, an arts and crafts station for children, and even the building of a model of Mitzpe Bet Eshel.
“The Big Tisch – Moshe Lahav at Hula Agamon Park” – As has become an annual tradition, Hula Lake Park hosted an Israeli sing-along with Moshe Lahav. This is the fourteenth year that Israelis of all backgrounds have come together to sing the songs of the land of Israel together in the park. This year, about 280 people sang together with Moshe Lahav at an especially successful and special evening.
Special Walks took place at Tzora Forest, Lahav Forest, Jordan River Park and HaMalachim Forest; sites that were created and are cared for with the support of friends of KKL-JNF from all over the world.
Information Stalls at Entrances to Forests: During the holiday, KKL-JNF staff manned 21 information booths that were located at the entrance to central forest parks. KKL-JNF staff greeted visitors and handed out garbage bags to help keep the forests clean.