Sunday, January 27: State representatives of Brandenburg in Germany plant a carob tree in the Negev on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as a symbol of friendship between Israel and Germany.
Representatives of the State of Brandenburg in Germany planted a tree in Israel’s German States Forest in the Negev on
International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as a sign of the friendship between the two nations. “I feel greatly honored and privileged to tour Israel and meet prominent personalities, despite the terrible events of the past,” said
Ingo Senftleben, chairman of the Christian Democratic Union party in Brandenburg.
The German States Forest, which is situated close to the Negev community of Lehavim and forms part of Israel’s longest unbroken stretch of woodland, provides the local people with a much-needed green lung and attracts visitors from all over the country. On the outskirts of the forest KKL-JNF has established an appreciation center in honor of its
Friends in Germany, who supported the development of this woodland.
Ingo Senftleben is in Israel for a week-long visit that has included meetings and tours in different parts of the country, with special emphasis on culture and art. Accompanied by members of KKL-JNF staff, he spent a day in the Negev. “I believe that Israel and Brandenburg can cooperate on forestry matters, exchange information and learn from each other,” he said. “The forests are a gift from nature, and we could not live without them. We human beings have to protect and cherish them,” he added.
After visiting the appreciation center in the German States Forest, the visitors made their way to the Brandenburg section of the woodland, which was planted in Lahav Forest in 2008. Along the way they paused to view the woodland planted in 2015 by the Christian Democratic Union’s youth organization
in memory of Philipp Mißfelder, who was a member of the German Bundestag.
KKL-JNF Lahav Forest forester
Moshe Mordechai explained the novel methods KKL-JNF has developed to enable woodlands to survive in this arid region. Planting takes place in
limans – pools of water at the bottom of gullies – and along shikhim, raised embankments down the hillsides to prevent water loss and soil erosion. These
special techniques have earned KKL-JNF an international reputation, and experts come from all over the world to learn from the organization’s expertise.
Although the State of Brandenburg is several times larger than the State of Israel, it has a population of only 2.5 million people. “Despite the great differences between them, the Negev and Brandenburg face some similar challenges,” declared KKL-JNF envoy to Germany
Johannes Guagnin.
Among the points of similarity he mentioned were the desire to encourage people to live in the outlying regions and the fact that Brandenburg has endured a dry summer that has caused enormous damage to forests and farmland. “KKL-JNF’s expertise has for many years been helping a large number of countries around the world, and it provides a basis for
international cooperation,” explained Guagnin. “Forests enhance quality of life in problematic regions, provide a venue for leisure activities, attract visitors and boost the local economy.”
Businessman
Stephan Goericke was among the guests visiting from Germany. “I’ve been coming to visit Israel for many years now,” he said. “It began with business, but turned into a profound friendship. You could say I’ve caught the love-for-Israel bug. As far as I’m concerned, planting a tree in Israeli soil is the most appropriate thing one can do on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It’s fascinating to see how forests can be made to grow in the desert, and it’s inspiring to discover that the vision of human beings can change the world for the better. There’s a lot we can learn from this, because as the climate changes we, too, need solutions for future generations.”
In a beautiful green corner of the Brandenburg woodland, surrounded by bright red anemones in bloom, the visitors concluded their tour by planting a carob tree. “The German States Forest symbolizes the deep friendship between our two countries and peoples, and now we have planted another tree here together to strengthen the bond still further,” said Director of KKL-JNF's German-Speaking Countries Desk
Judith Perl-Strasser.
“When people meet and smile at each other, that’s a wonderful beginning to a long and significant relationship,” concluded Ingo Senftleben. “But the main thing is, don’t forget to water my tree!” he added with a smile as he took his leave of KKL-JNF staff.