The ceremony took part under the slogan, “planting solidarity between Israeli and Palestinian farmers.”The trees were planted in an area where hundreds of trees had been uprooted or cut down in recent years; widely believed to have been carried out by Israeli settlers living nearby.

The plantings were carried out under the initiative of the Kibbutz movement under the leadership of Yoel Marshak. According to organizers, “In honor of the Jewish holiday of Tu Bishvat we want to send a message of solidarity between Israeli and Palestinian farmers, and to emphasize the importance of the rule of law.”

MK Michael Melchior (Labor) took part in the planting, as did members of the New Israel Fund and members of the “Rabbis for Human Rights” movement.

“There was no political or partisan nature to this initiative,” said organizer Marshak. “Our message is that from farmer to farmer, wherever a man goes hungry, we will be there.” Marshak added.

On Sunday, the Kibbutz movement will launch a cooperative endeavor at the textile cooperative area in Mitzpe Ramon. Youths performing their year of national service who live in the town will take part in running the operation.