On Friday, April 12th, 2013, KKL–JNF World Chairman Efi Stenzler and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper planted a tree at the Aminadav Forest, Jerusalem.

Within the framework of his official visit to Israel, Mr. Hickenlooper planted a tree at the Aminadav Forest in Jerusalem hills, at foot of Yad Kennedy monument, and has received the KKL-JNF Planting Certificate, in recognition of planting a tree in Israel.

Governor Hickenlooper was very excited to plant a tree, following his visit to Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial museum and holocaust archive. He stated that as a former Mayor of Denver, he is very familiar with the complexity of tree planting. Hickenlooper added that he had intended to plant one million trees as Mayor of Denver, however he was only able to carry out the planting of 240,000 trees.

When he heard that KKL-JNF has carried out planting of 240 million trees, he was quiet impressed and said

The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.  There is no doubt that KKL-JNF’s activities touch each and every resident of Israel.”

KKL-JNF World Chairman, Efi Stenzler stated: “Tree planting symbolizes the connection and rootedness to the soil and ground. Each and every planting by an important figure, such as Governor Hickenlooper, strengthens and deepens their relationship with Israel and KKL-JNF.”