KKL-JNF Grove of Nations is home to many trees that were planted by heads of state from all over the world. It is an integral part of the "Olive Tree Route” project in Israel.
The Grove of Nations is found in the Jerusalem Forest and makes up a part of the Olive Tree Route, a part of the initiative led by UNESCO and the Council of Europe to establish an Olive Tree Route around the entire Mediterranean basin expressing the common desire for peace and co-existence.
To a great extent the Grove was founded by the Foreign Ministry's Chief of Protocol Yitzhak Eldan, who spoke of the concept saying that "Planting an olive tree in Jerusalem is a symbolic act which creates a deep-rooted bond between visiting statesmen and the State of Israel. A joint concern for nature and the environment forms a basis for partnership between countries."
The Grove is a home to dozens of trees planted by heads of state from around the world. It is usually attended by the dignitaries following a visit to the Yad VaShem holocaust museum and memorial which is located in close proximity. It is an additional cause for the speeches made at the Grove by world leaders speak of the need for peace and for making a connection between the tree planting and the history of the land of Israel.
For further information, comments or permission please contact
Ahuva Bar-Lev
KKL-JNF – Information and Publications
Phone: 972-2-6583354 Fax:972-2-6583493