KATHMANDU, Jan 28: The Embassy of Israel in Kathmandu observed the Jewish festival, “Tu Bishvat (The New Year for the Trees)” on Thursday at the embassy garden.

Marking the importance of nature for human beings and its conservation, the Swami Tree was planted, as a symbolic act of celebrating nature, goodness and promoting ecological awareness, according to a press release issued by the embassy.

Each tree is considered to have its birthday on Tu B’Shvat. On this day, trees are planted all around Israel. It is also an educational day for children as it is customary to take children on tree-planting outings. There is a custom to eat fruits like figs, dates, grapes and also nuts. This custom is a carry-over from Jewish life in the Diaspora - when fresh fruits from Israel were not available.

Environment Minister Prem Bahadur Ale attended the tree plantation ceremony on the embassy premises. The minister was accompanied by Dr Bishwa Nath Oli, secretary at the Ministry of Forests and Environment. Explaining the importance of plantation, Minister Ale said, “Survival is not possible without plants. What Israel is doing in agriculture and forestry is exemplary. We are thankful to the Government of Israel for the sharing of expertise and support to the field of agriculture in Nepal.”

Thanking the ministry for joining the event, Hanan Goder, ambassador of Israel to Nepal, said, “We are all sharing the same planet and the environment. Planting a tree doesn’t just benefit us but our children and the future generations as well.”

 
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