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KKL-JNF unveils new photographs of Forest of the Martyrs to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day

From Jerusalem Post · (1d ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • KKL-JNF has released new photographs documenting the early years of the Forest of the Martyrs, a living memorial to Holocaust victims.
  • Established in 1946 near Jerusalem, the forest features six million trees planted by various communities to symbolize continuity, strength, and revival.
  • The photographs from the KKL-JNF archives highlight the enduring commitment to remembrance and building a future in Israel.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) has shared a poignant collection of historical photographs, offering a glimpse into the foundational years of the Forest of the Martyrs (Ya'ar Hakedoshim). This sprawling memorial, located near Jerusalem, stands as a living testament to the six million Jewish souls tragically lost during the Holocaust. Its creation in 1946, supported by B’nai B’rith and involving global Jewish communities, survivors, and new immigrants, underscores a profound commitment to remembrance and national renewal.

The Forest of the Martyrs is far more than a memorial site; it is the living and growing testament to the triumph of the Jewish and Zionist spirit.

— Eyal OstrinskyDescribing the symbolic significance of the Forest of the Martyrs.

As KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky eloquently stated, the Forest of the Martyrs is "far more than a memorial site; it is the living and growing testament to the triumph of the Jewish and Zionist spirit." In a place where the very existence of our people was targeted, the act of planting life—six million trees—serves as a powerful symbol of our continuity, resilience, and unwavering spirit. These historical images, preserved in the KKL-JNF archives, not only echo our collective commitment to remembering the painful past but also demonstrate our ongoing dedication to putting down roots, growing, and building our future here in our homeland.

In a place where they sought to cut off our very existence, KKL-JNF chose to plant life.

— Eyal OstrinskyHighlighting the act of planting trees as a response to attempted annihilation.

These photographs, including a moving 1953 image of children planting trees in memory of those lost, and others commemorating specific Jewish communities, are more than just historical records. They represent a shared heritage of remembrance and renewal for Jewish communities both in Israel and across the diaspora. As Efrat Sinai, Director of Archives at KKL-JNF, noted, these images illustrate how memory is actively preserved through collective action—planting, building, and ensuring continuity. From the perspective of The Jerusalem Post, these visual records are vital in connecting the memory of those who perished with the vibrant, ever-renewing life of the State of Israel, a narrative that resonates deeply within our national consciousness.

The six million trees planted in the forest are a symbol of continuity, strength, and the revival of our people.

— Eyal OstrinskyExplaining the symbolism behind the number of trees planted.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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