Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) played a central role in embedding Tu BiShvat as a tradition in Israel through mass tree plantings, environmental education, and the promotion of nature conservation values. The holiday became a large-scale national event, as students, youth movements, and families ventured out to Israel's forests and hills to plant trees together. Each driven by the belief that each sapling was a building block contributing to the growth of the country.
At the same time, in Jewish communities around the world, Tu BiShvat developed into an educational and social occasion. Children held ceremonies in schools and synagogues, donated to Blue Boxes, and commemorated the deep connection to the Land of Israel.
“The historical photographs from the years 1942 to 1959, document moving moments of tree plantings across the country, ceremonies in the courtyard of the National Institutions building, and community celebrations abroad,” says Efrat Sinai, Director of KKL-JNF's archives. “These are vivid testimonies of a tradition that continues to flourish to this day, connecting generations and Jewish communities around the world.” The photographs include images from Tel Aviv in 1942 by photographer Zoltan Kluger, kindergarten celebrations in Jerusalem in 1944, a girl planting in Jerusalem in 1951, and celebrations held in Germany and Sweden in the 1950s.
KKL-JNF's photo archive documents scenes from the Land of Israel from the early 20th century until today. In light of the holiday’s importance, Tu BiShvat celebrations were extensively documented by KKL-JNF photographers throughout the country, in moshavim, cities, kibbutzim, and in Jewish communities in the Diaspora. These nostalgic sights invite all of us to take part in the tree-planting celebrations once again this year.
Jerusalem - 1944 - Photo By: Photo Ora, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Swewden - 1959 - Photo By: KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Tel-Aviv - 1942 - Photo By: Zoltal Kluger, KKL-JNF Photo Archive
Germany - 1955 - Photo By: KKL-JNF Photo Archive