Freedom Forest for Soviet Jewry to Be Planted in Israel

A Freedom Forest for Soviet Jewry will be planted in the Judean Hills near Shaar Hagai in the vicinity of Jerusalem. This is a world-wide expression through the Jewish National Fund of solidarity with Jews, striving to leave the Soviet Union for Israel. Heading the American Committee for the new forest will be Herman L. Weisman, president of the Jewish National Fund of America. A national committee, now in formation, will include the presidents of major American Jewish organizations and other prominent figures. The recent Brussels Conference on Soviet Jewry adopted the idea of a Freedom Forest as a symbol of the ongoing struggle of Soviet Jews for a new life in Israel. Weisman stated: “Next to the security of Israel there is no cause more urgent than the cry of the Soviet Jews for freedom to live in Israel, in dignity and in accordance with the tenets of their faith.”