In preparation for the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia's Israel 50 Independence Mission visit to the Netivot-Azata Region, much time and planning went into organizing the 14 separate site visits to educational and social agencies and, especially, the cultural folklore and food festival. In between these two major activities that entailed an array of logistical and organizational tasks, a ceremony was organized to fill some time between events. The idea was to develop a transition program that would help to cement and symbolize the new partnership that had been initiated. The idea of planting trees was bandied about without much fanfare as mission participants have often participated in tree planting ceremonies. Little did we know at the time, that planting trees at what is now known as "The Philadelphia Grove," would be one of the highlights of the Independence Mission and many subsequent mission visits as well.

When the 14 buses and 435 mission participants arrived at the grove site, they were greeted by political dignitaries, Ethiopian and Russian Immigrants now living in Netivot and veteran Israelis. The atmosphere was festive with flags waving in all directions, the unveiling ceremony in place, refreshments aplenty and, of course, the neatly lined rows of small trees waiting to be placed into the ground. A moving ceremony was organized by Keren HaKaymet in which residents from the Region and members of the Jewish Community in Philadelphia spoke passionately about their connection to the land and to each other. Then, everybody, about 650 people all told, simultaneously turned their backs from the podium and walked together, hand in hand, to plant trees in the Philadelphia Grove. What was originally envisioned as a minor program in the Mission, became one of the most moving and emotionally charged event in the day's activities.

Due to the initial success of the tree planting ceremony, the Partnership 2000 team of professionals, made it a standing policy to enable all future Gesher to Kesher groups from Philadelphia an opportunity to plant a tree. Whether it is high school students, young adults, or leading communal leaders from the Federation; people visiting Israel for the tenth time or the first, planting a tree in the Philadelphia Grove has made a profound impact on people. Some claim the impact is spiritual, while others emphasize the physical nature of the act. Whatever the reason, having a special place in Israel that one can call home and knowing that you are an integral part of a flourishing partnership, makes the planting of a tree at the Philadelphia Grove in the Netivot-Azata Region a rich, meaningful and rewarding experience.

Tevet 5760 - January 2000