KKL-JNF IN THE HOLY LANDKKL-JNF IN THE HOLY LAND

The establishment in 1901 of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, the Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), by decision of the Fifth Zionist Congress, heralded a new era in the history of the Jewish people: the return to the land of their ancestors, the vision cherished throughout 2,000 years of exile, began to become a reality.

KKL-JNF, synonymous with planned and natural forests in Israel, is recognized today as a top environmental leader. Its achievements in the area of water management, river rehabilitation, development of parks and natural landscapes, soil conservation, applied agriculture, and combating desertification have made KKL-JNF the preeminent green organization in Israel, as well as the largest.

Over the years we have developed thousands of revolutionary projects. We have planted over 240 million trees, making Israel the only country in the world to have entered the 21st century with more trees than it had at the beginning of the 20th century; we have developed more than a thousand recreation areas as well as hundreds of kilometers of hiking and cycling trails; and we have made most of our sites accessible for people with physical disabilities. All KKL-JNF forests and parks are open to the public and are free of charge, allowing both the Israeli public and tourists from abroad to enjoy their leisure time in nature. As such, our activities enable us to build bridges between all sectors of society thereby strengthening the bonds among the different religions, communities, and ethnicities.

In addition to its environmental work in Israel, which includes water treatment and recycling and the rehabilitation of forests, open spaces and their ecosystems, KKL-JNF takes pride in sharing its expertise in water management, forestry, and combating desertification with other countries.

We are part of the unbroken chain of generations who pursued the dream of creating a better world for all, without regard to race, religion, or ethnicity; and we are resolutely determined to continue along this path.

THE ORIGINS OF KEREN KAYEMETH LEISRAEL-JEWISH NATIONAL FUND

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The landscapes of the Holy Land have captivated the hearts and minds of believers and have strengthened their faith since ancient times. The holy sites commemorate the events described in the Old and New Testaments and breathe a new and positive spirit into the human soul – the spirit of fellowship, hope, and peace.

Since its founding, KKL-JNF has been working to nurture and preserve the landscapes of the Promised Land, ensuring that they continue to inspire people of all faiths and from all walks of life. As part of its efforts, KKL-JNF has enabled not only Jews but also thousands of Christians to plant trees in the Land of the Bible, in honor and in memory of their loved ones. Tree-planting is just one of many activities that attract Christian tourists who visit Israel. The Gospel Trail, a project of great significance for Christian pilgrims, was recently developed and established in the Galilee by KKL-JNF. According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, more than two-thirds of the 3.45 million tourists who arrived in 2012 were Christian (double the figures of the previous year), and nearly forty percent defined themselves as religious pilgrims.

This modest booklet describes a sample of our activities that are aimed at preserving the spirit of this Biblical Land. These projects were established with the help of our partners and donors of all faiths. Their prayers and their love for humanity are our hope for peace and tranquility in the Holy Land and worldwide.

KKL-JNF AND CHRISTIANITY

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In 1997, formal papal secretary Monsignor Lorie Copavilla planted a tree at a new forest in Nazareth, honoring Pope John XXIII. The dedication was attended by some forty Italian pilgrims from Pope John XXIII's birthplace of Bergamo, near Milan. Citing Jewish and Christian sources, Copavilla said: "Our religions are like two trees sharing the same biblical roots."

Pope John Paul II visited Israel in March 2000 to commemorate the second millennium of the birth of Jesus Christ and to fulfill his desire to tour the sites mentioned in the Gospels. As he remarked while in Nazareth: "Our Jubilee Pilgrimage has been a journey in spirit, which began in the footsteps of Abraham, our father in faith." On the third day of his visit, the Holy Father celebrated a public mass at Korazim, near the Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Immediately following mass, His Holiness expressed "a special thanks to our Muslim friends, to the members of the Jewish faith, and to the Druse community" and blessed an olive sapling that was presented to him by KKL-JNF representatives.

Planting trees is an act of great symbolic value: trees not only provide human beings with their shade, wood, and fruits; they also protect the environment, contribute to the renewal of nature, and ensure its conservation for future generations. Toward this end, KKL-JNF invites the most distinguished personalities who visit our country to plant a tree in any of its forests. The olive sapling blessed by His Holiness was later planted at Amnun beach in the northwest corner of the Sea of Galilee by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, a senior representative of the Pope's entourage from the Vatican and President of the Vatican's 2000 Grand Jubilee Committee, together with Piero Abbina, then president of KKL-JNF Italy.

KKL-JNF is constantly promoting new projects to ensure the conservation of Biblical Israel. The meeting that took place in the Vatican between KKL-JNF Chairman Efi Stenzler and His Holiness Benedict XVI in January 2009 was another step in the Catholic-Jewish dialogue first consecrated in vivid form by the Catholic-Jewish Reconciliation Forest.

KKL-JNF's past and future connection with the Vatican

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Pope Benedict XVI visited Israel in May 2009. Two important ceremonies took place at sites especially restored by KKL-JNF in anticipation of the Pope's visit: the President's Residence in Jerusalem and an amphitheater in the Nazareth forest.

The gardens of the President's Residence are a symbol of the Land of Israel. For over a century, KKL-JNF has planted and nurtured forests and natural vegetation, restored ancient sites, worked to protect the environment and strengthened the bond between the People of Israel and their heritage. The gardens of the presidential residence are a miniature version of the Land of Israel, and KKL-JNF therefore was glad to accept responsibility for updating the gardens. During the planning process, particular emphasis was placed on water conservation – choosing water-thrifty plants as well as a new irrigation system.

On the second day of his visit to the Land of Israel, Pope Benedict XVI planted an olive tree, which he named "The Tree of Peace." The sapling was chosen with great care from the KKL-JNF Eshtaol plant nursery in the hills of Jerusalem and was transferred to the garden of the President's Residence. During the ceremony, KKL-JNF World Chairman, Efi Stenzler, greeted Pope Benedict XVI, praised his peace efforts, and presented him with two gifts: a bottle of olive oil pressed from a KKL-JNF forest and a very rare antique Menorah (Jewish ritual candelabrum) estimated to be 1,500 years old. In his farewell address, the Holy Father referred to the event: "Mr. President, you and I planted an olive tree at your residence on the day I arrived in Israel. The olive tree is an image used by Saint Paul to describe the very close relations between Christians and Jews […]. We are nourished from the same spiritual roots. We meet as brothers […] who are now firmly committed to building bridges of lasting friendship.”

Later, the Holy Father celebrated a Mass of Remembrance at an amphitheater developed by KKL-JNF in the Nazareth forest. KKL-JNF teams worked around the clock to prepare the site for the outdoor mass held by the Pope at Mount Precipice. This site,

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surrounded by beautiful scenery, offers a magnificent view of the Jezreel Valley and the surrounding hills and is wonderfully appropriate for what undoubtedly was an experience of true faith and devotion for many people.

KKL-JNF expanded the area of the amphitheater located on the slope of the mountain, upgraded roads in the area, and renovated other projects situated on the mountain. The works further included the electrical and communications infrastructure, sanitation, and parking lots nearby.

The government of Israel and KKL-JNF offered the Holy See a 400-year-old olive tree from the hills of Nazareth. The tree planting ceremony took place on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, in the gardens of the Vatican. At the mass, Secretary-General of the Governatorate of Vatican City State, Giuseppe Sciacca, said: "This olive tree, which has been bestowed by the government of Israel through Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, is a symbol of peace and brotherhood, and it demonstrates the good relations between the Vatican and Israel.”

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In 2013, KKL-JNF honored Pope Francis I by planting an olive tree that was 76 years old – the same age as the Pope. The tree was planted on Mount Precipice, near Nazareth. A breathtaking KKL-JNF scenic outlook was developed at the site, which overlooks the Basilica of the Annunciation, a central point of pilgrimage for Popes visiting the Holy Land.

In June 2013, KKL-JNF dedicated a memorial forest near the city of Tiberias to honor the memory of the late Cardinal Carlo María Martini (1927-2012), on the occasion of a Jewish-Christian pilgrimage from Italy to Israel to pay tribute to the cardinal’s legacy.

During a speech in 2004, Cardinal Martini stated: "Simple 'anti' anti-Semitism is not enough. It is thus necessary to foster a friendship which, in the heart of the other, increasingly reads the thoughts that we share, while recognizing our differences, making sure, however, that these differences do not lead to conflict or dismissal."

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In July 2013, Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera came on a four-day visit to Israel accompanied by a delegation from the Don Juan de Borbón Spain-Israel Foundation, which organized the visit. Among the many distinguished personalities included in the delegation were Sadia Cohen, president of the Foundation; his wife, Simy Cohen, vice president; Antonio Maroto, director; Samy Cohen, director of international relations; José Luis Mendoza, founder and president of the Catholic University San Antonio of Murcia, and Madrid archdiocese priest Father Silvero Nieto Núñez.

The Foundation, sponsored by the Spanish Royal Family, was granted permission to name it after His Majesty King Juan Carlos I's father, the illustrious Count of Barcelona. The Foundation's mission is to encourage and promote the relations between Israel and Spain. The visit to northern Israel as a guest of KKL-JNF focused on the ties between the Catholic Church and KKL-JNF. The Cardinal toured the KKL-JNF Christian sites developed for the benefit of Christian pilgrims.

A site of particular interest was the excavation next to the grounds of the Megiddo prison, where the Cardinal could relish a remarkable 3rd century AD mosaic that mentions Jesus, in what is believed to be the remains of the oldest church in Israel. Visibly moved, the Cardinal knelt by the inscription in a moment of contemplation.

The mosaic, discovered in 1995 by archaeologist Yoram Tepper during routine excavation work, dates back to circa 230 AD. The mosaic is almost completely intact and displays three dedicatory inscriptions along with a long middle medallion with two fish – one of the earliest symbols of Christianity. One of the inscriptions mentions a Roman General who paid for the mosaic; the second is dedicated to four prominent women from the local early Christian community, while the third bears the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, which symbolize the name of

Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera visits KKL-JNF sites in northern Israel

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Jesus and commemorate the donation of the altar to "Lord Jesus Christ" by a woman named Akeptous. The mosaic, which has remained covered since its discovery as it awaits restoration, was specially uncovered for the Cardinal's visit. It was covered again with soil following his visit in order to protect it.

Gad Ya'akov, project manager for the Megiddo Junction Tourist Center and member of the Megiddo Regional Council, told the visitors that for the past four years, a joint project of the Megiddo Regional Council and KKL-JNF has already been underway to dismantle the prison and build a new facility in another location. This will allow for the creation of an archaeological park that will include the nearby Tel Megiddo archaeological site and serve as a gateway to the holy sites in the Galilee.

Enthusiastic about the significance of the mosaic, José Luis Mendoza expressed his university's willingness to assist with its restoration: "We are willing to take part and cooperate in any development project," he said, noting his own Jewish ancestral roots. "This can be an important pilgrimage site, and we have to make it known. It would be an honor to participate in a project that, thanks to a momentous discovery for Christianity, will help connect Spain and Israel.”

Cardinal Cañizares was greeted by KKL-JNF co-chairman Eli Aflalo. "It is a great honor to have His Eminence with us in the Holy Land, a place where Christians and Jews coexist peacefully," said Aflalo. "We hope that during this short visit with which you have honored us, you will see that KKL-JNF's commitment to the Holy Sites is very strong and significant." Also welcoming the delegation were Avi Dickstein, Executive Director of the KKL-JNF Resources, Development, and Public Relations Division; and Hanan Erez, Head of the Megiddo Regional Council.

KKL-JNF Lower Galilee representatives accompanied the Cardinal and his entourage during a walk along the KKL-JNF newly developed Gospel Trail, which allows Christian pilgrims

to hike a trail following in the footsteps of Jesus. From this vantage point, the group was able to appreciate the natural beauty of Jezreel Valley and Mount Tabor, and the picturesque skyline of Nazareth.

Cardinal Cañizares had a moment of private prayer at the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, where he also held a mass. At the end, he said: "The message here is that we can all be united, finding hope for all nations to live in faith, unity, and light.”

Furthermore, KKL-JNF and the Israel Ministry of Tourism will cooperate with the International Domus Galilaeae Center to create a park in honor of Pope John Paul II, to be built on a hill across the Center. Its director, Rino Rossi, stated: "Pope John Paul II left a great footprint in this country as well as in the hearts of the Jewish people. We will build a park in the same place where he celebrated mass on his pilgrimage here and KKL-JNF will plant biblical trees in it." The Cardinal expressed his support for the project and stressed his appreciation for the work being carried out.

Summing up his visit, Cardinal Cañizares said that KKL-JNF does wonderful work: "It is the realization of what God has asked in the past and continues to ask for the People of Israel." He concluded by stating: "I am highly impressed by everything I have seen and I will convey my feelings to His Holiness Pope Francis. I will personally describe to him what I perceived – hospitality, brotherhood, and the understanding that we are brothers, descendants of the same father, Abraham, and a shared path."

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Over the past century, KKL-JNF has been active in the Holy Land in many spheres, including planting new forests, restoring and caring for existing forests and woods, reclaiming land for human settlement, agriculture and tourism, and building reservoirs to meet the pressing need for water. Today we are one of the main environmental organizations in Israel and as such we work for the benefit of all people living in Israel, regardless of their race or religion.

Since its foundation, KKL-JNF has planted more than 240 million trees in Israel, covering an area of about one hundred thousand hectares, and planting continues at a rate of approximately 2,000 hectares a year. KKL-JNF is also responsible for caring for nearly 40,000 hectares of natural woodland and has paved roads through the forests to make them accessible recreation areas for both tourists and local residents.

All this has not been solely a Jewish effort. Thousands of Christians have planted trees in the Land of the Bible in honor and in memory of their loved ones, friends, and leaders. The many projects in the Nazareth Forest, the Millennium Forest, Jordan Park, and Jerusalem are just a few examples of KKL-JNF activities to preserve and foster sites holy to all religions in the Land of the Bible.

The following are some of the projects developed by KKL-JNF at Christian holy sites in the Galilee.

KKL-JNF activities at the holy sites in the Holy Land

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"And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephtalim"

Matthew 4:13

Capernaum is situated on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Kinneret. The remains of an ancient fishing village were found at the site. According to Christian tradition, Jesus chose this place as the locus of his activities in the Galilee after leaving Nazareth, and he preached in the local synagogue. Capernaum was also the home of the apostles Peter, James, Andrew and John, who were fishermen, and Matthew, the tax collector. One of the houses excavated at the site is believed to be Peter's house. Two synagogues were also found: an earlier one from the time of Jesus and a larger, grander one dating back to the 4th century AD. In the 5th century, an octagonal church was built on the site of Peter's house.

Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI both visited the site when they were in the Holy Land. The western section of the site is owned by the Franciscan order and the Greek Orthodox Church. In the eastern section is the Green Orthodox Church of the Twelve Apostles, built in 1931, standing out with its white walls and bright red domes. The inner walls are covered with unique frescoes depicting scenes from the New Testament.

On the eve of the Millennium, KKL-JNF, the Israel Ministry of Tourism, and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority developed the entrance to the Capernaum National Park and a pier from which the visitors can sail to Tiberias and Ein Gev.

Capernaum (Kfar Nahum)

The ruins of Korazim overlook the northern end of the Sea of Galilee. Korazim, along with Bethsaida and Capernaum, form what is known as "the evangelical triangle," since many of the preaching and miracles of Jesus took place in this area. The villages were condemned by Jesus because their people refused to accept his teachings and repent.

KKL-JNF is currently planning a park in Korazim in honor of Pope John Paul II, who did so much to bring Jews and Christians together. The park will be built on the terraced basalt slopes of the Korazim ridge. A network of scenic paths and steps will connect the various levels, among which there will be ponds and water channels to provide a welcoming and serene atmosphere. A number of attractive elements will be developed overlooking the scenic beauty of the Sea of Galilee. A central gathering area will be built for holding prayers and masses for the benefit of the many Christian pilgrims who visit the site. Biblical fruit trees and native vegetation will be planted on the surrounding slopes.

Korazim13

"Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: Woe unto thee, Chorazin! Matthew 11:20-21

It is not surprising that Pope John Paul II chose Korazim as the site for his main mass when visiting Israel in 2000. The area preserves the natural landscape where Jesus walked 2000 years ago and gives visitors the sense that they are following in Jesus' footsteps.

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The Gospel Trail is a complex of paths, sites and natural attractions developed by KKL-JNF for Christian pilgrims wishing to follow in Jesus' footsteps in the cradle of Christianity in the Galilee. As part of this project, KKL-JNF developed a 2.5- kilometer route that allows people to descend by foot from Precipice Mountain up to Iksal and join the Trail. The route has been marked with special Gospel signs – two basalt stones bearing the trail logo. The path begins at a paved entrance near a KKL-JNF scenic lookout at the top of the mountain, overlooking breathtaking biblical landscapes.

The Gospel Trail

Mount Precipice is one of the mountain peaks lying south of Nazareth, rising 397 meters above sea level and 60 meters above the city, providing an astounding view of the Jezreel Valley and the surrounding hills. It is here that Jesus fled to when he infuriated the Nazarenes following his sermon at the synagogue: "And [they] rose up, and thrust him out the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they must cast him down headlong; but he passing through the midst of them went his way." (Luke 4:29-30) A tradition dating back to the Crusader period claims that there are signs that Jesus clung to a rock so that the enraged Nazarenes would not cast him off the mountaintop.

KKL-JNF built a scenic road to enjoy these magnificent views. A number of trails lead from the parking area to the top of the mountain and the panoramic lookouts. The Gospel Trail also starts at the parking area and leads to a number of Christian sites in the north, along the road to the Jordan Park, Bethsaida and Korazim.

Among the scenic lookouts built by KKL-JNF on Mount Precipice is the Three Faiths lookout, where there is a flourishing olive tree planted by Pope John Paul II in honor of world peace among all faiths. Another fascinating spot is the Foresters’ House scenic lookout, a structure that was used for guarding and maintenance in the forest during the British Mandate period. KKL-JNF built an impressive amphitheater in honor of the visit of Pope Benedict XVI, where he celebrated a mass attended by 40,000 people.

Mount Precipice

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Tel Bet-Sayda is located in Jordan Park, a beautiful and peaceful green area along the banks of the eastern channel of the Jordan River. The park offers many options for relaxation and is very popular among visitors from all over the country. KKL-JNF is working with other agencies to restore the ancient remains of the park and develop its recreational potential.

Bethsaida is one of the most frequently mentioned towns in the New Testament, as the birthplace of the apostles Peter and Andrew and home of Apostle Philip. Theodosius (530 BCE) asserts that it was also the home of the fisherman Zebedee and his sons, James and John. According to the New Testament, Bethsaida was the site of the miracles of the feeding of the multitude and the healing of the blind man, and near its shore Jesus walked on water. Et-Tel, the mound identified as ancient Bethsaida, is situated on a basaltic ridge north of the Sea of Galilee, where the Jordan River flows into the Sea of Galilee. The tel is one of the largest in Israel, rising 25 meters above the valley, which was once covered by the Sea of Galilee.

Tel Bet-Tsayda (Bethsaida)

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Planted over 240 million trees.

Manages and maintains 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) of natural woodland.

Enhances Israel´s water economy by building 230 water reservoirs and dams to collect runoff, floodwater, and recycled water, providing two-thirds of the treated water for agricultural use.

Rehabilitates and restores waterways.

Has built over 1,000 recreation areas throughout the country, including leisure areas and regional parks that host tens of thousands of visitors.

Has developed thousands of kilometers of cycling trails crisscrossing the country, through natural forests and open areas, for the general public, free of charge.

Creates a bond between people and the environment by organizing recreational and cultural activities in nature for everyone.

Conserves the environment, pushes back the desert, and creates shady green sites on army bases and communities in southern Israel.

Carries out cutting-edge research applied to water conservation, sustainable forestry, prevention of soil erosion, and modern agriculture.

Partners with international organizations in order to share knowledge, and implements projects in cooperation with countries around the world to help them find solutions to environmental challenges.

Reclaimed land for about 1,000 communities throughout Israel

Rehabilitated approximately 100,000 hectares (250,000 acres) of land for farming.

Purchased some 260,000 hectares (650,000 acres) of land for settlement.

Laid 8,000 kilometers of roads and forest trails.

Educates hundreds of thousands of young people in Israel and abroad, strengthening their bond with Israel, and helps new immigrants (olim) integrate socially into Israeli society.

Keren Kayemeth LeIsraelResources, Development and Public Relations Division

Projects & Marketing DepartmentJerusalem, 2014

Photos: KKL-JNF Photo ArchiveVisit us at: www.kkl.org.il

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