Last month, a grove of trees was planted in the Be’eri Forest in the Negev region, a testament to the power of collective action and cross-continental collaboration. This grove, a donation from CJP’s Boston-Haifa Connection schools, stands as a symbol of resilience and continued commitment to Jewish tradition and heritage.

The project was part of the School-to-School Connections program, an initiative of the Boston-Haifa Connection that connects 16 schools in Haifa with 16 schools in Boston. This program promotes Jewish identity and community through mutual learning and shared responsibility. By engaging students in both educational and practical experiences, the program strengthens their connection to their heritage and the broader Jewish community.

This year’s project encouraged students to reflect on what gives them hope and connect with nature through the Tree of Hope initiative. The effort included a fundraiser where students demonstrated leadership and community spirit by raising $3,700. This amount not only covered the cost of planting the trees, but also exemplified the spirit of collective contribution and action at a time when hope is truly needed.

Inspired by the commitment of students and their communities, KKL-JNF decided to plant an entire forest in the Be’eri Forest on behalf of all participating schools. This generous gesture underscores the impact of working together towards a common goal and highlights the importance of joint efforts in creating sustainable change.

In recognition of this joint achievement, a tile was installed at the Nahal Assaf Recognition Center near Kibbutz Re’im in late June. This tile is a lasting tribute to the partnership and shared commitment to fostering hope and growth.

For 35 years, the Boston-Haifa Connection has been a beacon of Jewish unity and cooperation. The School-to-School program in particular stands out for its ability to build bridges between communities and deepen students’ understanding of Jewish heritage. By engaging on multiple levels – knowledge, experience and action – students gain a comprehensive perspective on their identity and their role within the larger Jewish community.

Looking to the future, the Tree of Hope project is set to continue to expand. We hope that next year’s initiatives will continue to strengthen links between schools and communities, while contributing to the restoration of Israel’s war-ravaged forests. Visitors to Israel are encouraged to visit the memorial center in Nahal Assaf and share their experiences to continue to foster cross-border connection.

The Boston-Haifa Connection remains committed to nurturing these bonds and ensuring that future generations remain connected to their shared heritage. Through projects like this, the partnership not only celebrates Jewish traditions but also demonstrates how collaboration and shared values ​​can inspire hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Anna Varsanyi is the Peoplehood Committee Coordinator at CJP’s Boston-Haifa Connection. Anna came to Haifa from Budapest, Hungary 12 years ago and lives in Haifa with her husband, two daughters, and an ever-changing cast of cats.

Stephanie Ben Shimon is the education coordinator for the Jewish Peoplehood Committee at CJP’s Boston-Haifa Connection. Stephanie lives in Givat Ela, a community settlement in the Jezreel Valley Regional Council in Israel. She is married to David and has three sons.