Tree Planting event for Tu Bishvat “the Birthday of the Tress” by Servas Israel – Arad, Israel – 2 February 2018

Orna, active Servas member and veteran inhabitant of Arad, organized a reception and tree planting ceremony in Arad, hosted by the Mayor and the board of Education and Environment in Arad, Israel.

On Friday the 2nd February, Israel Servas members from all over the country from the south to the north, including several children and grandchildren joined together with children and staff of a nearby kindergarten, to plant trees at a local Community center in Arad.. We were warmly received by the locals, who had prepared the area for planting. There were refreshments of hot and cold drinks, cakes and biscuits and chocolate covered marshmallows greatly appreciated by the children! The Mayor spoke about the importance of Servas, opening the way to further cooperation with their city. Claudia, Israeli Servas Israel National secretary, spoke about our organization and our activities to encourage locals and Servas members from abroad to visit the country. The kindergarten children preformed beautifully, singing and dancing in honor of Tu Bishvat, the Birthday of the Trees” holiday, led by their teachers. Then we went outside and planted the trees and shrubs in the well-prepared ground outside. Orna organized a tour of several of Arad’s interesting tourist sites: the Historical Museum, seeing artifacts and an informative video and learning about the history of Arad, the first preplanned city to be built in Israel, then the glass museum, a lifetime venture of the Freedman family and the artist Gideon Freedman, explaining his vision and his special way of working with glass to achieve his artistic results. We then visited a colorful nursery, where we could buy local cosmetics, houseplants and more. We drove back north in the hired minibus, tired but exhilarated after a fulfilling day with old and new friends from Servas and beyond.

Many thanks to Orna, to Servas Israel and the city of Arad, for the planning and organization of this successful event.

Lesley Hayoun, Servas, Israel