At this season of the year, the landscape over Ein Karem and the Judean Mountains as one stands on the ridge of Mount Herzl is greener than at any other time.

There are thousands of verdant trees planted by KKL-JNF foresters beneath which red and white flowers sprout in profusion.  The whole landscape is particularly beautiful and the atmosphere is pastoral and blooming.  It is here that 94 people who came to Israel as pilgrims, made their way along the well-tended paths of the Jerusalem Forest to their tree-planting ceremony in the Forest of Nations to mark the friendship that members of the community of Sant'Egidio, cherish for Israel.  The community, that operates in 70 countries around the world, under the auspices of the Vatican, fosters dialogue between the three monotheistic religions. 

Vito Anav, President of the Italian community in Israel, who hosted the group members and also served as their spokesman, is well-versed in the special connection between them and Israel.  “This group has a special tie with Israel that started before the period of the Holocaust, when other Italians’ hatred of Jews caused members of the Sant'Egidio Community to show mercy and save lives, on the simple grounds that the Jews were also human beings.  Because of their intense religious faith, they helped Jews find hiding places and even used their connections to organize several clandestine ships to bring immigrants to these shores.  During Israel’s War of Independence we assisted the citizens of the new-born state and because we respect Jewish values we continue to assist the Jews of Israel regularly.  During the war last summer, too, the group helped with donations and in other ways.”

The warm rays of the late winter sun caressed the faces of the Italian pilgrims at the Forest of Nations.  The almond trees, now at the peak of their blossoming, scented the air with their delicate aroma.  Claudio Betti head of the Rome Chapter, said. “We have strong bonds with the Jews and bringing about meetings between the three religions is the right thing to do.  It is only through joint effort and through mutual assistance that we will be able to help the world.  We see this meeting and this tree-planting in Israel as part of the coexistence between peoples.”

While digging a hole in which to set a new tree, Hilde Keiboom from Belgium said, “We know that this section of the forest - the Forest of Nations - is where it is customary for heads of states to plant a tree when visiting Israel.  And we are only a short five-minute walk here from the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum, which all ads to the importance of this wonderful tree-planting ceremony.”  Standing with the hoe in her hand, letting the tears fall from her eyes, she adds. “It’s such an emotional experience for me to plant a tree in the holy ground of Israel.  It’s impossible to understand the bond with Israel and with trees, without actually planting a tree.  What does it say in the Bible?  ‘Man is a tree of the field’. I find this very symbolic.”

Sharon Gol, responsible in KKL-JNF for connection with international organizations: “We decided to have the tree-planting ceremony in one of the most beautiful and prestigious sites that is also used for similar ceremonies by heads of states.  This community contributes so much to the ties between Israel and other religions - they really belong among the world’s leaders.  My husband Ehud and I served for four years in Rome where he was Israel’s ambassador and I was totally involved in the work.  When we meet such people as yourselves and see your wonderful activities, we feel how important it is to acknowledge and thank you.”

After he finished planting the last tree, the delegation representative, Monsignor Ambrogio Spreafico from Rome said:

 “To plant a tree in the Land of Israel – there is no feeling to match it.  It’s an emotion that will accompany me for many years to come.  This tree signifies substance, existence and continuity.  Whoever plants a tree knows he is planting it for decades and maybe even for centuries, and that is very exciting for me. I truly believe that I have planted a tree in this Land that will nourish it for a very long time.”