Matzah, olive trees, and laughter at Ethel Grey Park

Not even the unseasonal autumn chill could keep the community away from the Jewish National Fund’s (JNF’s) annual Pesach Picnic at Ethel Grey Park on Friday, 18 April. Families arrived bundled up in blankets, with baskets of Pesachdik treats and plenty of matzah to share. Children were kept entertained with traditional picnic games like the egg-and-spoon race, while parents and grandparents stayed warm thanks to delicious coffee from Brewsky.

The highlight of the afternoon was a tree-planting ceremony with the children. In a gesture rich with symbolism, nine African olive trees were planted by the JNF in the park. Indigenous to both Africa and Israel, the olive tree serves as a powerful emblem of peace and shared heritage.

Yellow ribbons were tied around the saplings for the 59 hostages still being held in Gaza. Bev Schneider, the National Director of JNF South Africa, says, “The moment added a layer of reflection to the day’s joy, reminding us that even in celebration, our thoughts remain with those still waiting to return home.”

The JNF Pesach Picnic has become a highlight of the Johannesburg Jewish communal calendar, said Calya Urdang, JNF committee member and one of the driving forces behind the event. “It gets bigger and bigger every year.” It’s an opportunity for Jews from all walks of life (religious and secular; young and old) to come together and have fun appreciating the often overlooked natural beauty Johannesburg has to offer.