HONORARY CONSUL GROVE INAUGURATED AT THE AMINADAV FOREST NEAR JERUSALEM

Inauguration ceremony attended by JNF chairman, Efi Stenzler, JNF's MC Andy Michelson, foreign ministry's MC Yitzhak Eldan, consular corps dean, advocate Gad Naschits, Marshall Islands' honorary consul, Ran Rahav, honorary consul of Korea and Mongolia, advocate Amichai Orkabi, and their corresponding consuls to Israel.
A special plot – the Olive Trail – was designated by the JNF for 93 olive trees which the honorary consuls planted to celebrate the friendly relationship with 93 countries worldwide.

Advocate Gas Naschitz, dean of the consular corps, said, "I am proud to inaugurate the Honorary Consuls Grove at the Aminadav Forest on the outskirts of Jerusalem and am grateful to the Jewish National Fund for allocating the 'Olive Trail' where 93 olive trees are being planted by the consuls to highlight the friendship with 93 countries and reinforce the connection between the consuls, the countries they represent and Israel." Naschitz added, "More than 150 honorary consuls serve in Israel today. Some of them even fulfill an ambassador capacity for countries which do not have an official embassy in Israel."
Each one of the consuls planted an olive oil on behalf of the country he represents. The flag of each country was placed next to the young olive tree.

Efi Stenzler, chairman of the Jewish National Fund, pointed out, "tree planting is the highest expression of friendship. As honorary consuls, you act like a bridge of friendship between your countries and Israel."
Advocate Amichai Orkabi, honorary consul of Korea and Mongolia, said, " "in these times, when Israel finds itself in the eye of the storm, events like this have special significance as they help reinforce Israel's global image."
Ran Rahav, honorary general consul of Marshall Islands, said, "We are grateful to the JNF for making the effort to earmark a beautiful spot on this magnificent lookout point in Jerusalem Mountains. The olive tree is a symbol of continuity and friendship which we will continue to nurture with the countries we represent."

Advocate Gad Naschitz, advocate Amichai Orkabi and Ran Rahav were awarded a certificate of recognition from the Jewish National Fund for their contribution to the creation of the Consuls Grove.