The minor Jewish holiday that planted a nation

Tu BiShvat is often called the “New Year for Trees,” yet, in Israel, it is also a celebration of renewal and ancient roots. For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped make that rebirth tangible through one of the most enduring and inspiring acts of Zionist commitment: planting trees.

What began as a bold vision has grown into one of the largest reforestation and afforestation efforts in modern history, enabling Israel to become one of just a few countries to enter the 21st Century with a net gain in trees.

From the earliest days of the 20th century, Jewish National Fund-USA supporters understood something essential: restoring the land of Israel was not only an environmental mission—it was a national one. Facilitated by KKL-JNF, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped plant hundreds of millions of trees, transforming once-barren hillsides into thriving forests, restoring biodiversity, and helping stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

But the true story of Jewish National Fund-USA’s tree planting is not measured only in numbers. It is measured in impact.

Forests help cool the land and protect against desertification. They create green lungs for cities and communities. They preserve natural habitats and strengthen Israel’s resilience against climate pressures. And in a region where water and land are precious, forests play a critical role in conserving resources and safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Jewish National Fund-USA’s work is guided by a strategic approach known as its circles of impact—the idea that every project, program, and initiative strengthens more than one part of Israeli society. Reforestation supports environmental sustainability, but it also advances population growth and economic development by making regions more livable and vibrant.

For example, greener landscapes attract families, create recreation spaces, and support tourism. The circles of impact created by tree planting support Jewish National Fund-USA’s strategic vision of attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel’s North and South.

On Tu BiShvat, we celebrate not only the trees themselves—but the people who made them possible.

American donors have been central to this historic work. For generations, supporters across the United States have planted trees in honor of loved ones, in memory of those who came before, and in tribute to milestones and moments that matter. Each tree is more than a symbol—it is a statement of belonging. A gift that says: Israel’s future matters to me.

And tree planting is only the beginning.

For 125 years, Jewish National Fund-USA has helped the land and people of Israel make the world a better place—and this Tu BiShvat, with every new sapling, we reaffirm a timeless truth that when you plant in Israel, you plant hope.

To plant a tree in Israel, visit jnf.org/trees or call 800.JNF.0099

For your chance to win a trip to Israel, enter Jewish National Fund-USA’s sweepstakes at jnf.org/sweepstakes