Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Anniversary Marked by the Planting of a 1 Million-tree Forest Near Nazareth

“I deeply appreciate this affirmation of loyalty on behalf of my Jewish subjects,” Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain sent this message of thanks today to participants at the dedication ceremony of a one million-tree forest near Nazareth planted to mark her silver wedding anniversary.

The Jewish National Fund of Britain, together with JNF branches in Commonwealth countries, funded the forest and earlier this year the Duke of Edinborough was present at a special dinner at the London Guildhall to receive the forest scroll on behalf of the Queen and himself.

Lord Janner, the veteran British Zionist leader, represented British Jewry at today’s ceremony. The Queen and the Duke, he said, “have associated themselves in no uncertain way with Jewish matters. They have frequently graced our communal bodies with their presence.” Janner said the forest expressed the “warmth and affection, reciprocated between the Queen and the British Jewry.”

JNF Chairman Jacob Tsur said that “rest and recreation would abound in the serenity, charm and beauty of the historic hills of Nazareth.” The Royal Forest overlooks the valley of Jezreel and faces Mount Tabor.

ROSSER CHINN WAY ALSO DEDICATED

Also dedicated today was the “Rosser Chinn Way,” a scenic drive linking the Royal Forest with the Churchill Forest also near Nazareth. Mr. and Mrs. Chinn of London, personally unveiled the plaque naming the way and Mr. Chinn and his successor in the JNF in Britain, Cecil Bianco, praised Chinn’s long work for JNF. Sidney Giffard, representing the British Embassy Charge d’Affaires, expressed the hope “that these trees grow up in a land of peace.”