IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF YITZHAK KKL-JNF PAYS TRIBUTE TO KKL-JNF Pays Tribute to Yitzhak Rabin KKL-JNF is honored to have been leader, whose actions set examples for others associated with Yitzhak Rabin z"l and grateful to follow. Known for preferring deeds over for having enjoyed a mutual, fruitful bond superfluous words, Rabin respected KKL-JNF's that strengthened with time. ability to act on its plans and execute projects. He The first of the country's prime ministers expressed as much at the inauguration of "Action born in , Yitzhak Rabin was imbued with a Plan: Negev" in July 1995 at the Besor reservoirs, love for the land. Just as KKL-JNF was stating, "When KKL takes on a project, I can be responsible for shaping Israel's landscapes, it certain it will be completed." may well also have played a formative role in The Negev Plan was the last KKL-JNF project Rabin's profound connection to the land as he Rabin was to have launched. It is poignant to walked the length and breadth of the country, consider his speech on the occasion, delivered in learning its terrain “ through his legs”. the Besor riverbed between two KKL-JNF While serving as commander of the IDF reservoirs, in which he related that as a young Northern Command, and later as Chief of man, upon graduating from the Kadoorie Staff, General Yitzhak Rabin learned about Agricultural School, he had intended to become a other aspects of KKL-JNF's work, such as water engineer. building security roads. For five years previous Yitzhak Rabin will forever remain a seminal to the Six-Day War, KKL-JNF bulldozers had figure in the history of the State of Israel and KKL- forged 480 kilometers of border roads. At the JNF is committed to perpetuating his legacy time, Rabin was quoted as saying, "Relations through creating and maintaining forests, parks, between the IDF and Keren Kayemeth educational and other projects in his name, for LeIsrael are very close and the need for this the benefit of Israel and its people. Among these security work is not over." sites are the strategic and historic places secured As Israel's Prime Minister, Rabin recognized by Israel due to Yitzhak Rabin's valor, under his the important role played by KKL-JNF in military command. Today, they are both leisure fostering the relationship between Diaspora and recreation attractions as well as heritage sites Jews and Israel. Participating in the World commemorating Yitzhak Rabin, the man and his Conference of JNF Overseas Directors held in deeds. in 1994, Rabin proposed placing From a military to a national leader, Yitzhak the KKL-JNF Blue Box on the dais in clear view Rabin had set his sights on the horizon; on the of all. He then demonstratively slipped coins future of his people. The celebrated warrior, who into the iconic box. Not only was this act a fought so many battles, met his death on the testament to Rabin's endorsement of KKL- battlefield for peace. May His Memory Be for a JNF, it was characteristic of the man as Blessing.

A tour of the Yatir Forest with Yosef Weitz, 1955

General Rabin accepting the Golden Book after the Six Day War, 1967. Photo: David Hirschfeld Yitzhak and Leah Rabin Forest, Baram The Baram Forests cover an area of 1,000 ha (2,500 acres) in the Upper Galilee, a breathtaking forest landscape that attracts many walkers and hikers. The forests, originally planted in the 1950s, were rehabilitated in the 90s so that today they are a mixed species comprised of natural woodland and planted trees, including pine, cypress and cedar. The forest near Mt. Shifra was named in commemoration of Yitzhak and Leah Rabin. KKL-JNF created a leisure area there used also as a departure point for hikers to the surrounding countryside: the Dishon River, the ancient synagogue at Baram, the Gush Halav River and Mt. Meron. The Yitzhak and Leah Rabin Forest at Baram was planted with the generous support of Friends of KKL-JNF USA, Europe and Australia.

Baram Forest, Galilee, Leah and Yitzhak Rabin leisure area. Photo: Yaacov Shkolnik Yitzhak Rabin at the Henry Jackson Forest dedication ceremony, Jerusalem, 1983. Photo: Dan Shefner

Yitzhak Rabin at the Henry Jackson Forest dedication ceremony, Jerusalem, 1983. Photo: Dan Shefner Yitzhak Rabin planting a sapling in a Jerusalem forest, 1983. Photo: Israel Sinai Yitzhak Rabin and Moshe Rivlin at planting ceremony of the IDF Generals' Forest, Jerusalem, 1985. Photo: Scoop

Yitzhak Rabin with a group from KKL-JNF Canada at a military exercise, 1990. Photo: Scoop

Yitzhak Rabin with a group from KKL-JNF Canada at a military exercise, 1990. Photo: Scoop PM Rabin in Park HaSharon, 1993. Photo: KKL Photo Archives

Mahal (IDF Overseas Volunteers Unit) ceremony at Sha'ar HaGai, 1993. Photo: Flash 90

Mahal (IDF Overseas Volunteers Unit) ceremony at Sha'ar HaGai, 1993. Photo: Flash 90 KKL-JNF International Leadership Conference, Jerusalem, 1994. Photo: Flash

KKL-JNF International Leadership Conference, Jerusalem, 1995. Photo: Flash

Opening ceremony of the Jericho bypass road, July 1, 1995. Photo: Israel Sinai "Action Plan: Negev" ceremony at Besor, 1995. Photo: Israel Sinai

"Action Plan: Negev" ceremony at Besor, 1995. Photo: Israel Sinai Yitzhak Rabin stamp, October 1996

Leah Rabin at the Rabin Park inauguration ceremony, June 24, 1997. Photo: Flash 90 Leah Rabin at the Rabin Park inauguration ceremony, June 24, 1997.Photo: Flash 90

Rabin Monument at Rabin Park, 1999. Photo: Douglas Guthrie Yitzhak Rabin Park, Jerusalem Hills

In April 1948, during the War of Independence, Yigal Alon appointed the 26-year-old Yitzhak Rabin to command the Harel Brigade, which engaged in the heaviest of combat operations for the crucial passageway to Jerusalem and the city, itself. Rabin then commanded the reconquest of Ramat Rahel and was involved in the construction of the strategic Burma Road. Once a scene of battle, the Burma Road and Sha'ar HaGai are now part of the Yitzhak Rabin Park that stretches over 1,500 hectares (3,750 acres), and includes forest and woodland, scenic paths and outlooks, and heritage sites from the country's more recent and ancient past.

The Yitzhak Rabin Park was made possible by the generous support of Friends of KKL-JNF in Israel and throughout the world. At Park Rabin

Serpentine Road, image of soldier Serpentine Road - image of jeep At Park Rabin

Harel Lookout, Rabin Park. Photo: Yaacov Shkolnik At Park Rabin

Rabin Park, Monument at the Outpost Ridge. Photo: Yaacov Shkolnik "Spring will come…", picnic near the Mahal Monument. Photo: Yaacov Shkolnik Park Rabin, overlooking Sha'ar HaGai from the 2nd Outpost, Memorial to the 5th Battalion of the Palmach. Photo: Yaacov Shkolnik

Dereh Shalom in Park Rabin Rabin Park- Army Posts Road. Photo: Yossi Zamir Yitzhak Rabin Park, Migdal HaEmek

The Rabin Park in Migdal HaEmek extends over an area of about 4 hectares (9 acres), comprising extensive meadows, a variety of trees, bushes and playground equipment. The park attracts people seeking activity and leisure in nature and from where the bicycle trail that circles Migdal HaEmek starts. The Yitzhak Rabin Park in Migdal HaEmek was made possible thanks to the generous support of JNF USA.

Migdal HaEmek, Rabin Park. Photo: Guy Assayag Migdal HaEmek, Rabin Park. Photo: Guy Assayag The Triguboff Garden at the Yitzhak Rabin Center, The Yitzhak Rabin Center in Tel Aviv, founded in 1997, is dedicated to the memory of Yitzhak Rabin and commemorates his life and work. The complex serves as an educational center, comprising a national archives, an educational department and The Israeli Museum, depicting the history of modern Israel. The center endeavors to promote democratic values and understanding among Israel's diverse society and develop a cadre of leaders equipped to confront the unique challenges facing Israel. The development of the garden surrounding the center is based on the original, which will be considerably expanded and upgraded. The additional, northern wing garden will be integrated with the new entrance to the center. Paths, seating areas with tables and reception areas will be created within the new ornamental garden. One area will consist of a deck made of the most beautiful and durable Brazilian wood, next to which a shaded area will be built in which outdoor events and lectures will take place. The project also includes a tiled entrance plaza and parking lot at the southern entrance to the museum. The entire area is wheelchair accessible. The complex with its impressive garden will transform the center into a dynamic and important national site, deserving of the man in whose honor it was dedicated.

The Triguboff Garden is a project of the Jewish National Fund of Australia. The development and upgrade of the garden of the Rabin Center was made possible through the generous support of Harry Triguboff AO and Rhonda Triguboff of Sydney, Australia. Rabin Center, Tel Aviv GARDEN SLOPE – SIMULATION KKL-JNF Resources Development & Public Affairs Division Projects & Marketing Department Jerusalem 2012 Photos: KKL Photo Archives, Jerusalem Hebrew text and editing: Yaacov Shklonik www.kkl.org.il