PETER FELDMAN
Tu B’Shvat, the Jewish festival known as the “birthday or new year of the trees”, is named after the Hebrew date it falls on (15 Shvat). The festival, which occurred on January 31 this year has developed into an ecological holiday that reminds Jews of their connection to the earth and their role as caretakers of the environment.
Keinan planted a tree and delivered a clear message about the environment. While his generation were aware of climate change, he said, they did not think it was urgent enough at the time. However, procrastination was no longer possible. He stressed that the future of the planet rested with the youth understanding that they could help repair the global damage created by previous generations.
The ambassador added that it was important for children to learn about the environment and climate change as his generation had messed up.
He mentioned how little the African continent had contributed to worsening the unfolding environmental disaster, yet it was the continent that had suffered the most. And, he added: “The less food there is in Africa, the more the fighting for territories will continue.”
He talked about the ills which had befallen the planet over the years, warning that in the future, nations would be fighting over a vital commodity like water, which was becoming increasingly scarce. It was happening in Cape Town, where the water situation had become dire.
Keinan touched on the healthy contribution Israel was making to the global environment, and how it leads the world in water-management techniques.
“We have less rain than in South Africa, but we have had no problems because we have introduced a desalination programme. We drink the sea, 70% of it being artificial water, and we recycle sewage water to use in agriculture.”
He also emphasised how Israel had become world leaders in two key areas: agriculture and technology.
Rabbi Gidon Fox, of the Pretoria Hebrew Congregation, explained in detail the religious significance of Tu B’Shvat, saying the planting of trees was important for future generations “who will have a glorious tomorrow”.
A number of King David High School Victory Park and Linksfield scholars also attended the ceremony. Altogether about 100 people attended.
Three schools in the area were honoured for their contribution to the Environmental Centre’s Outreach Greening Programme in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria. Nellmapius Primary won the School Greening Award, followed by Mahube Primary in second place and Bona Lesedi in third place. They were presented with certificates and gardening implements. This award is given to schools that educate their pupils about the environment and whose pupils help create beautiful spaces with neatly maintained gardens. The award was presented to the schools by the centre manager, Christa van Schalkwyk.
Through this community-based greening programme, 28 000 trees have been planted in schools, homes and other strategic places.
The JNF Walter Sisulu Environmental Centre was established in 2004. Its aim is to raise awareness and educate schools and communities about using environmental resources in a sustainable way. To do this, the centre offers programmes to schools and communities that focus on waste, energy, water, biodiversity and what it terms “the outdoor living classroom”. Since its inception, more than 100 000 Mamelodi and southern Tshwane scholars have been taught at the centre.
