Tu B'Shvat Establishment of The Jonathan Pollard Forest

Source: Arutz7 (Hebrew) - January 16, 2004

Translated and Released by J4JP - January 18, 2004

On Tu B'Shvat, Sunday the 17th day of Shvat (Feb. 8, 2004), The Jonathan Pollard Forest will be established at Tzomet Gilat, 4 kilometers from Yad Mordecai. 5000 trees will be planted in honor of Jonathan Pollard, in recognition of his actions on behalf of the State and People of Israel.

The Association of Pollard Activists led by Eli Joseph explained that similar activities were held in the past as part of the efforts to free Soviet Jewry, and this time it is to rescue a soldier in captivity.

Minister of Agriculture Israel Katz will be in attendance to participate in the event; along with the MK heads of the Knesset Lobby Gilad Erdan (Likud) and MK Orit Noked (Labor); other public officials; and former Prisoners of Zion. The public at large is welcome to attend and participate.

In a letter which was published today, HaRav Shlomo Aviner, head of Ateret Cohanim Yeshiva and the Rav of Beit-El writes:

Dear Youth:

It is a great mitzvah to participate in the planting of a forest for the release of hero of Israel, Jonathan Pollard, who sacrificed himself for us. In doing so two great mitzvahs are fulfilled. The first is Planting the Land of Israel, and the second is the Mitzvah of Pidyan Shvuyim. Ashrei kol ha'mishtateff! Blessed is every participant! (signed) HaRav Shlomo Aviner

Endorsed by Jonathan Pollard's rabbi, His Eminence HaRav Mordecai Eliyahu, shlita, former Chief Rabbi of Israel.

All are welcome to participate in establishing The Jonathan Pollard Forest!

Watch for further details:

Write to pollard@jewsite.org

Call 054-214-037 and 054-402-308.