The Golan Regional Council and HaShomer HaChadash planted a grove Thursday in the Trump Heights community in the Golan. This act serves as a tribute to the many years of Zionist activity by the late Sheldon Adelson and Dr. Miriam Adelson, which led to the historic recognition by United States President Donald Trump of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
The planting was inspired by a moving ceremony held last month at the Israeli American Council (IAC) conference, during which Dr. Miriam Adelson was awarded the "Friend of the Golan" (Yekirat HaGolan) honor. The award was presented by the head of the Golan Regional Council, Ori Kallner, and the CEO and founder of HaShomer HaChadash and Golan resident, Yoel Zilberman.
In their tribute, the two noted that the honor is granted for the "tremendous efforts and actions of Dr. Adelson and her husband, the late businessman Sheldon Adelson, to promote United States recognition of the status of the Golan as an inseparable part of the sovereignty of the State of Israel." It was further emphasized that this is a "significant Zionist endeavor with historical impact."
The planting of the grove in the Golan is intended to honor the Adelsons' work not only as a historical symbol but as a living, growing act that connects past, present, and future. It expresses deep appreciation for those who work to strengthen sovereignty, settlement, identity, and the Israeli hold on the Golan.
Hundreds of youth took part in the event, both religious and secular alike. Among them were students of the Adam V'Adama network from HaShomer HaChadash, trainees of the HaShomer HaChadash Youth Movement, regional schools from the Golan, participants of the Yossi Tahar Leadership Program, and various educational programs of the HaShomer HaChadash organization.
Golan Regional Council Head Ori KaKallner: "The planting of the grove in Trump Heights by the youth of the Golan is an expression of the values on which the Golan community grows: unity through partnership and action with a deep connection to the land and heritage. Yoel Zilberman, CEO and founder of HaShomer HaChadash: "It is moving to see the commitment of these young people and the cooperation between HaShomer HaChadashn and the continuity of settlement in this region. We have dedicated the grove to mark their historic contributions."
Yoel Zilberman, CEO and founder of HaShomer HaChadash: "It is moving to see the commitment of these young people and the cooperation between HaShomer HaChadash and the Golan Regional Council on such a project of unparalleled significance, with a two-fold mission: to aid in the prosperity and development of the Golan, and to express our deep gratitude and appreciation to the late Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson for their immense contribution to the State of Israel and the Jewish people, and for their work in developing and strengthening the Golan."
Editor's disclosure: The late Sheldon Adelson co-founded Israel Hayom together with his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson.
