The Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund dedicated on Thursday a grove near Jerusalem in honor of President of the Republic of the Congo Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who was visiting Israel.
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Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, which has had a special role in preserving the state's natural habitat for decades, dedicated part of the Jerusalem Forest for this honor, calling it a "brand-new grove."
According to the organization, the ceremony "marks the strong bond that the state of Israel holds with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The event was attended by the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chairman of the Union of African States – Felix Tshisekedi, and KKL-JNF's Global Chairman, Avraham Duvdevani."
The statement went on to say that "The President of JNF Belgium, Yaakov Ben Zino, initiated the planting of the new grove in recognition of the strong friendship KKL-JNF shares with the Congo, and with JNF's branch in South Africa."
The organization stressed that "the president's visit is expected to strengthen cooperation between the State of Israel and the Congo, including the increase of cooperation between KKL-JNF and various African countries," the statement continued.
At the ceremony, President Tshisekedi said: "We are eager to learn from you on how to make the wilderness flourish. Africa is the continent that contributes the least to fighting climate change, but it is the one that needs help the most - and Israel has a lot to teach us in that aspect. I am very happy that we will also be meeting at the upcoming conference in Glasgow, and that we have the opportunity to share more useful information with each other".
Avraham Duvdevani, KKL-JNF Global Chairman also issued the following statement: "As the world faces the ever-growing threat of global warming, I see the Congo and African countries taking an active role in solving the crisis and hoping to work in mutual cooperation to advance technological initiatives that will help save future generations. Our best talents, minds and solutions are at your disposal, Mr. President. We welcome this opportunity to inaugurate the grove today and the honor of hosting you here with us in a KKL-JNF forest in Israel."
