World
!SRA
Editor's Note: This is the first in a yearlong series of bimonthly articles by the
Israel Ministry of Tourism specially commissioned by the Detroit Jewish News.
A green panorma in the Galilee
Julie Cooper
Special to the Jewish News
Chicago
0
ver the past 5-10 years, "going
green" has become a major
trend in almost all aspects of
our lives. From manufacturing to trans-
portation to agriculture to tourism, the
"green" movement is finding its way
into many different types of industries.
While this widespread adoption has
been relatively recent, the practices and
ideology of "green" have long been a
part of everyday life in Israellsraelis are
known for their commitment to nature
and preserving their natural resources,
and there are many opportunities for
visitors to Israel to explore and take part
in this culture of conservation.
The two movements that were most
pivotal in starting Israel's commitment
to the environment were the Jewish
National Fund and the kibbutz move-
ment. Formed in 1901, the Jewish
National Fund was founded with the
goal of overseeing the reforestation of
the Land of Israel, which had been deci-
mated during the Ottoman Empire's rule.
Most Jewish Americans remember
growing up with the ubiquitous JNF
pushkes that collected money for grow-
ing trees in Israel. The results of the
JNF's work have been nothing short of
remarkable — the organization has
planted around 200 million trees; today,
Israel is one of only two countries in the
world that has more trees today than it
did 100 years ago.
Similarly, the kibbutz movement
— which began with the founding of
Kibbutz Degania in 1910 — was based
on the formation of agricultural com-
munities. It was through the work of
the kibbutzniks (and the farmers of
the moshavim) that Israel became an
agricultural powerhouse, creating agri-
cultural technology that is today used
around the world, and having one of the
world's highest rates of crops per acre.
The kibbutzim are an excellent place to
visit to experience "green Israel:' Many
kibbutzim today are committed to sus-
tainable agriculture and other industry.
One example is Kibbutz Lotan, a com-
munity in the Arava Valley committed to
eco-projects and environmental protec-
Migrating birds in the Galilee
Staying Green on page 24
July 15 ® 2010
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