The Italian Republic Day reception in the home of the Italian ambassador in Israel has already become a tradition. Over 1,000 people participated in the event, which of course has environmental ramifications. This is where KKL-JNF enters the picture - together with the Italian embassy, it planted 120 trees to offset the carbon footprint created as a result of the event.
The event, which took place on June 4 in the home of the Italian ambassador to Israel, was honored by the presence of Mr. Reuven Rivlin, the President of Israel, who said: “It’s no secret that Israelis admire Italian culture, and also formally, the two countries have deep ties. Italy’s friendship for Israel is expressed not only through words, but also through deeds, for example, when Italy opposed the UNESCO decision that declared Israel a foreign entity in its capital city, Jerusalem.”
HE Francesco Maria Talo, the Italian Ambassador to Israel, emphasized the friendship between the two countries in his remarks. “There is a deep connection between the countries and the peoples. Jerusalem is dear to the hearts of us all, and it has a deep connection to the Jewish people. Together, we will build a better future and help the world. We will only be able to achieve this goal if we cooperate, and that is why we oppose bans of any sort.”
The tree planting in honor of the event took place in Baram Forest in Northern Israel, which was restored and developed with the help of friends of KKL-JNF in Italy. Matityahu Sperber, who represented the KKL-JNF leadership, presented Ambassador Talo with a certificate of appreciation for planting the trees.
“We have very close ties and cooperate in many different ways,” Sperber noted. “KKL-JNF’s friends in Italy and the warm Jewish community there are another link in the connection between the countries and the peoples. Planting 120 trees is a reminder of how important forests are for protecting the world.”
Karine Bolton-Laor, Director of the KKL-JNF International Cooperation and Conferences Department, noted that planting trees is an example of how the knowledge acquired by KKL-JNF and connections between different countries can contribute to the environment and help protect the world.
Guests from many countries took place in the event, including representatives of embassies, heads of Jewish communities in Italy, and Italian citizens who are living in Israel. Veterans of the Jewish Brigade, who fought in Italy during the Second World War, were among the honored guests. Idan Raichel, a popular Israeli singer, moved the audience with his performance. Booths with the best culture, cuisine and products that Italy has to offer were set up in the yard, including pizza and pasta, wine and chocolate, and even the latest model of Fiat’s Alfa Romeo, which was unveiled by the ambassador. Towering above the green and well cared-for yard are two trees that were planted several years ago by KKL-JNF as a symbol of the friendship between Israel and Italy. The trees are growing and developing from year to year, just like the ties between the two countries.
Ambassador Talo is about to complete his tenure after serving in Israel for the past five years. “We thank you for your tremendous contribution to the friendship between our two countries,” President Rivlin said in his parting words to the ambassador, and they both raised a toast to friendship between Israel and Italy.