First Home Update – New year of the Trees

How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land. Numbers 13:20

Israel continues to celebrate Tu-BiShvat by planting trees around the country. The “First Home in the Homeland” program participants are also taking part in the events by doing so in their kibbutzim.

Kibbutz Yiftach, Upper Galilee, North of Israel | Photo: JAFI

“Tu-BiShvat is not only about planting but also about raising ecological awareness in people”

Tu-BiShvat is not only about planting but also about raising ecological awareness in people. Kibbutzim dwellers know quite a lot about the environmental issues to share their experience and knowledge with olim. We are happy that our families are fully involved in this process and help their new neighbors to enhance their home place and make it greener.

Planting in kibbutz Zeelim, South of Israel | Photo: JAFI

Not only adults but children as well are doing that with pleasure as they see the new trees as symbol of their new life which will grow together with them.

Miroslava (5 y.o.) from Saint-Petersburg and Emiliya (9 y.o.) from Mukachevo (Ukraine) are planting a tree together in kibbutz Revivim.

Mira moved to Israel with her parents in March 2021. They still live in Revivim and feel part of this hospitable place. Mira goes to kindergarten and has already learnt to speak Hebrew like a native. Her parents attend Ulpan B. Besides, Mira’s mother Kate has enrolled in the University of Ariel.

“Children as well are planting with pleasure as they see the new trees as symbol of their new life which will grow together with them”

Earlier we have told you about Emiliya and her mother Nataliya. They made aliyah from Ukraine in 2021. Every person in Revivim knows and loves Emiliya for her good nature, cheerfulness and responsiveness. She has made many friends and found her first home here!

Balabanov family and Petr Zarudnev are celebrating their first Tu-BiShvat in kibbutz Mashabei Sade. They all moved to Israel in September 2021. Darina, Andrey and their 2-year-old son David arrived from Minsk and Petr, his wife Valeria and 1-year- old son Miron came from Saint-Petersburg. After making aliyah they have become good friends and enjoy spending time together.

An Ulpan A team from Mashabei Sade are preparing for planting. Tu-BiShvat, 2021 | Photo: JAFI

Tu-BiShvat party in the kibbutzim of Jordan Valley (North of Israel) | Photo: JAFI

Tu-BiShvat preparations, Ein HaShofet | Photo: JAFI

Cute Tu-BiShvat compositions making by the Vologin family (Grofit) | Photo: JAFI

The Vologins (Ksenia, Alexander and their 6-year-old son David) made aliyah from Kazan in December 2021. Currently they live in kibbutz Grofit not far from Eilat. Ksenia daily shares the best moments of their new life in social networks. According to her Tu-BiShvat is the first holiday they celebrate in Israel and they are very excited about it.

Please support the “First Home in the Homeland” Project. Any amount is welcome!
Assisting a family in the “First Home” program costs € 230 euro / US $ 250 a month.

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