In a few days we will celebrate the holiday of Tu B'Shvat, which symbolizes the holiday of trees and the harvest of the fruits of the earth. In the previous century before the establishment of the state, during the waves of immigration, Tu B'Shvat was seen as a celebration marking the awakening of the nation to the revival of settlement in the Land of Israel. During this period, the custom of planting trees on Tu B'Shvat was renewed, which became the main symbol of the holiday in Zionist culture.
Hope of Resurrection and Zionism
The pioneering love of agriculture and tilling the land sowed, in addition to sowing and planting, also expectations of hope and a symbol of revival and Zionism, which has allowed farmers to this day to continue to engage in the agricultural profession out of a loving affinity and connection to the land while coping with existential difficulties and the need to continue the tradition for future generations despite the economic losses.
The agricultural fields in the enclosure are a great example of the prosperity and flowering of the wilderness.
A group of citizens, out of pioneering spirit, chose to live in areas adjacent to the fence in moshavim and kibbutzim. These, out of faith in growth and prosperity and the flowering of the wilderness, and despite the existential and security danger, prepared many fields and greenhouses along the border line, which led to an increase in the percentage of agricultural produce for Blue and White and a very great success for Israeli agriculture. Before the damned day of October 7, 75% of the vegetables in Israel came from the Gaza Strip. After the disaster, there was a shortage of manpower, some of whom were murdered and some to this day remain kidnapped in Gaza. The war and the missiles that exploded, which threatened the fields, did not add to the farmers and workers who remained who wanted to continue working and picking the agricultural produce that would not go to ruin. Israeli agriculture was in crisis and in danger of a colossal collapse.
Israeli agriculture at its best in good times.
And how can we celebrate and rejoice?
Soon we will mark the special holiday that most of us celebrate our love for nature, for plants and the environment, and eat dried fruits from the trees. How can we really celebrate and be happy that many more kidnapped people remain somewhere in the tunnels?
I have every hope that all the kidnapped will return home and that we will get through this dark period and return to the routine that we so need.
Good article, Yossi. Have a good week.