At the end of November, Ofir Angel returned as part of the sixth phase of the captives' return after being held by Hamas for 54 days.
Three weeks ago, KKL-JNF staff members planted 38 new trees in the honor of every boy and girl who returned from captivity, and gave the families the "Tree of Life" certificate, symbolizing the post-captivity rebirth. Now Ofir has received his own certificate, and a spot named after him at the Ben Shemen forest.
The initiative has its roots in a KKL-JNF tradition of planting trees for newborn children. Planting a tree for every child who came back from captivity symbolizes rebirth and future growth. Each child will be given a certificate with a painting of the Tre of Life.
KKL-JNF Chair Ifat Ovadia-Luski: "It is so good to see Ofir here with us in Israel, as a free man. It is a great privilege to see him growing up again, returning to his life and playing basketball, his favorite sport. Planting trees for the children who returned from captivity symbolizes renewed growth and the beginning of a new life, despite the difficulties. At KKL-JNF, we provide assistance to rehabilitation at the Gaza Envelope and Southern Israel, and pray that the children who are still held captive, along with the other kidnapped Israelis, will returned to their homes as soon as possible."
Photograph: KKL-JNF