Another “Once Upon a Time in Jerusalem”,
And this time, David Ben-Gurion plants a cedar tree in the Jerusalem Forest, 1958.
When the State of Israel was founded, the hills surrounding Jerusalem were bare and desolate, nothing but rocky slopes. Summers in the Land of Israel were dry and harsh for months on end, and no natural forest grew in the area. Most of the mountains around Jerusalem were steep and stony, unsuitable for agriculture.
The few local inhabitants at the time were far more engaged in hostility, riots, and attacks against the Jewish residents – both old and new – than in greening the land, planting trees for future generations, or considering the quality of life that would one day flourish here.
The leaders of the young state and its capital, many of whom came from the green, water-rich landscapes of Europe, looked ahead with the vision true leaders must have: not just years, but decades into the future. They decided to cover the barren hills with green forests for beauty, shade, fresh air, leisure, and the well-being of the spirit.
The Jewish National Fund, with the support and generosity of private donors, most of them from the United States, launched an impressive planting campaign in 1956. Over the course of two years, about one million trees were planted, creating a forest for the residents of Jerusalem and its surroundings.
In the photo: Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion planting a cedar of Lebanon in February 1958, alongside Gershon Agron, deputy mayor at the time, and Yosef Weitz of the JNF leadership. Behind them, the barren mountains tell the story of Jerusalem and of the State of Israel. From a land of ruins and desolation to, 67 years later, a flourishing country of forests and blooming fields.
In the background you can also spot the Beit Zayit Dam- but that is a story in itself, perhaps in the style of the tales of the wise men of Chelm…
The cedar Ben-Gurion planted stands on Mount Herzl, a symbolic capsule of Jewish return to its homeland: close to the grave of Herzl, the visionary of the State; near Yad Vashem, the memorial to the six million; and beside Israel’s national military cemetery, where the heroes of our generation rest- thanks to whom we stand here today.
Sadly, the cemetery continues to grow each year, embracing in eternal rest the true diamonds of our nation. The Silver Platter of 2025.
On that occasion, Ben-Gurion spoke these words:
“The status of a city is not determined by its size or population. Washington, for example, is seven times smaller than New York. Do the sixty million inhabitants of Mexico City make it a more attractive capital? Does the narrow space of Manhattan or Venice diminish their quality? Jerusalem is like the diamond in the Jewish crown.
A diamond is polished with care, removing unnecessary layers and placing it in a small, elegant case. An advanced medical center, a renowned university, a world-class philharmonic orchestra, and important museums will do more to strengthen the standing of our capital than a few more tens of thousands of residents or thousands of acres.”
He said it and he knew what he was saying.
A short man who knew how to rise above time, to lead, to foresee, and to shape the future for generations to come.
Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem, to friends near and far.
May we be worthy of the heavy price paid by our soldiers and their families.
May we merit leaders with vision who think of generations ahead.
And may our brothers, sister and our soldiers return home soon, safely and in peace.
