A Double Celebration of Shavuot and Metulla's 120th Anniversary

On Friday June 10th the event began with a procession of tractors pulling gaily decorated wagons carrying bikkurim, the traditional first fruits in honor of Shavuot, consisting of the finest local agricultural produce and, above all, plenty of children. As the convoy wound its way through the picturesque streets of the veteran community, local people emerged from their homes to cheer.    

A KKL-JNF Yaarit forest-fire truck and two of the organization’s 'mule' all-terrain vehicles joined in the procession. The ATVs pulled decorated wagons with two different themes: Hula Park and forestry (complete with saplings from a KKL-JNF nursery). KKL-JNF presented some of the saplings as a gift to the community, together with the agricultural produce brought in by the local farmers. When they reached Weiss Forest on the outskirts of the Metulla, everyone stopped and got ready for the traditional Shavuot ceremony. 

“We have staked our claim to the soil of our homeland, we are settling the country and determining its northern border de facto,” declared Metulla Council Chairman David Azoulay. “Shavuot is an agricultural holiday, and also a time of new beginnings. This is a wonderful period and we’re developing the community with the help of our Friends at KKL-JNF. May we all enjoy many years of flourishing agriculture and love for our country.”

The Shavuot event is just one of a number of 120th anniversary celebrations that KKL-JNF is supporting in Metulla. On this occasion KKL-JNF decorated tractors, contributed prizes for the winners of the competition for the most attractive float, and donated twenty olive trees to the community in honor of the event. 

KKL-JNF is currently promoting two major projects in Metulla: upgrading Park HaMaayan (“Spring Park”) at the entrance to the community, where residents can enjoy the natural springs as they stroll along the footpaths or rest in the seating areas; and the establishment of an open-air amphitheater for events and gatherings, with funding provided by KKL-JNF Belgium. Friends of JNF-KKL Germany also supported the creation of the newly inaugurated Dado Scenic Lookout just outside the town.    

 

 

Email: ahuvab@kkl.org.il