Israelis across the country marked Tu B'Shevat (the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat) at tree-planting events nationwide on Monday.
The agricultural holiday, often referred to as the "New Year of Trees," has its roots in the Mishna. After the founding of the state in 1948, the holiday became popular, with many institutions and schools marking the day with tree-planting ceremonies and other events that celebrate nature.
Joanna Ben-Gurion, 23, who has recently made aliyah from Toulouse, France, planted her first seedling in Israel this week.
"My grandfather moved from Morocco to France. He is not related to Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, but I certainly do feel that by making this move I am realizing his vision," she told Israel Hayom.
Ben-Gurion is among the 235 young Jews who made aliyah this month from 45 different countries. They are now taking part in a Jewish Agency program in Jerusalem designed to help them integrate into Israeli society.
On Tu B'Shevat 1949 (Feb. 14 that year), the precursor to today's Knesset held its first plenum session. Ever since, the holiday has been considered the unofficial anniversary of the Knesset.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein planted a tree at the Knesset plaza on Monday, alongside disabled Knesset employees.
"Every person is special... we respect every person as such and we are proud of you, our Knesset employees. A happy Tu B'Shevat and a happy holiday for the Israeli Knesset," Netanyahu said.
