Planting for Tu BiShvat on the Galilee Coexistence Trail

Is there a better way to help people connect than getting them to plant trees together?

Schoolchildren, soldiers and representatives of the local Jewish and Arab regional councils all attended a festive Tu BiShvat tree-planting ceremony held by KKL-JNF at the Coexistence Trail that links the Galilee communities of Dalton and Jish (Gush Halav).

The trail, which was created by KKL-JNF with the support of the Ergas-Lopez family of Chile, links two communities: the Jewish community of Dalton and the Christian and Muslim Arab community of Jish, which is situated on the site of the ancient Jewish settlement of Gush Halav. This safe and convenient trail is much more than just a symbol, as it physically connects the two communities whose members encounter each other constantly as they walk and cycle back and forth against the magnificent backdrop of the Galilee landscape. Neighbor greets neighbor, and bonds of friendship are formed. 

Eleven-year-old Dana Dror from Moshav Alma was among the 150 schoolchildren who took part in the planting ceremony. “When you plant a tree, you feel connected to nature, and we’re reminded what a beautiful country we have,” she told us.