For most of us, the lifelong connection to Israel begins at birth with commemorative trees planted in our names. This practice has radically improved the climate and agricultural viability of Israel, while strengthening the bond between the Jewish state and the tribal diaspora. In 1901, the Jewish National Fund adopted the Mizrahi custom of planting trees on the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shvat and each year more than a million Israelis take part in the JNF’s Tu B’Shvat tree-planting activities.
But Tu B’Shvat is about more than agriculture, more than the beginning of spring. It is a time for new beginnings, and has been observed in Israel as a holiday of symbolic significance. The cornerstone-laying of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem took place on Tu B’Shvat 1918; the Technion in Haifa on Tu B’Shvat 1925; and the Knesset on Tu B’Shvat 1949.
In the spirit of Tu B’Shvat and open community dialogue, J Street Minnesota and the Jewish Community Relations Council are proud to present Israeli Knesset member Yoel Hasson. As the sun sets on Tu B’Shvat 5772 (February 8, 2012), you are invited to attend a conversation with Hasson, “Why the Future of Israel is the Two-State Solution.”
The latest in a series of JCRC conversations fostering community dialogue on the Two State Solution, Hasson will speak at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, February 8th at Adath Jeshurun Congregation (10500 Hillside Lane West, Minnetonka). Yoel Hasson is a member of the 18th Knesset and recently concluded serving in the prestigious role of Chairman of the State Control Committee. As a member of the 17th Knesset, Hasson had the important roles of Kadima party Whip and Chairman of the Coalition. Hasson is considered a rising star in Israeli politics, moving up from seat 29 on the Kadima party list to seat 11 in the last election. Hasson is currently the second youngest member of the Knesset.
Click here to RSVP today for “Why the Future of Israel is the Two-State Solution: A Conversation with Kadima Member of Knesset Yoel Hasson.”
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