Mr. Stuart Silbert, Dora's solicitor, who was very close to her in the last years of her life, spoke about Dora's connection to Israel: "Dora was a very special person. She told me that she hired me because she liked how I look – very Jewish. Dora and Marcus had no children of their own, so when it came time for her to write her will, I asked her who she loved. She answered, 'Rosa's children, Marcus' nieces in Australia and the state of Israel,' so it was only natural for her to bequeath money to Israel through KKL-JNF. I asked my good friend Rob Schneider what project he would recommend dedicating to her memory, and he suggested Beit Keshet forest."Dora would have liked the idea that her money helped restore a little house in Israel, because she was someone who was very attached to her own house, where she stayed as long as she could. She would also be proud of the picnic grounds, because they are where families have a good time together, and family ties were something very important for her. She loved her family and Israel, and she died a contented woman."With the support of JNF Australia, KKL-JNF rehabilitated and restoredthe old house, developing the central forest picnic ground in thebeautiful old forest around it. Groups of picnic tables were set upamong the trees, five of which are designed for the convenience ofpeople with disabilities. There is a magnificent scenic lookout about400 meters away from the Forester's House, from which one can see MountTabor and the valley beneath it. KKL-JNF paved a circular 800 meterscenic path connecting the picnic area to the lookout, which is alsoaccessible to people with disabilities. After the ceremony, Stuart said that supporting Israel was also atradition in his family: "I've been collecting Blue Boxes for KKL-JNFfor the past 43 years. My great-grandfather moved from Bialystok toAustralia in 1906 after a pogrom. He had a great love for Israel thathe instilled in his descendents. For me, supporting Israel in theDiaspora means supporting JNF."
For Articles, comments or use please contact
AhuvaBar-Lev
KKL-JNF – Information and Publications
Email: ahuvab@kkl.org.il
Phone: 972-2-6583354 Fax:972-2-6583493
KKL-JNF – Information and Publications
Email: ahuvab@kkl.org.il
Phone: 972-2-6583354 Fax:972-2-6583493