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A Unique Memorial
May 08
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 A thoughtful memorial from a friend
(Original = 8.25X11.5 inches)
Dinah Gibton and Marivi had been friends for years, even though they never met face-to-face. Dinah retired from a company in Israel with business connections with Marivi's company in California. The two of them developed a long-distance friendship while carrying out their companies' business, mostly by telephone. After we moved to Spain Marivi and Dinah continued their friendship via e-mail. When Marivi passed away in March, it fell to me to give Dinah the sad news. The certificate above was Dinah's unique and fitting tribute to Marivi and their friendship. Afterwards, Dinah was kind enough to write to me, explaining the history of Israel's tree-planting program. I think you'll find it as interesting and informative as I did. "Dear Bob,
"Let me explain about trees in Israel. Trees here are treated with some reverence and nobody is allowed to cut down a tree, even in one's own garden, without a special permit. Israel is the only country that celebrates a Trees' New Year, which falls in early spring. "Palestine once had large forests but the crusaders denuded the country completely, not a single tree was left standing. Erosion did the rest of the damage. Therefore, after the first world war (under the British mandate) Jewish settlers started to reforest the country and have being doing so ever since. First around Jerusalem and later in other areas. By now we have large wooded areas, some quite old already. "Traditionally, on the Trees' New Year school children, new immigrants, special guests and anybody who feels like it, turn out in by the hundreds to plant trees in new areas. Since we do not have any rain for 8 months these seedlings are lovingly tended throughout the long summer. After the next rains they will be able to make it on their own. "The Jewish National Fund looks after these forests and maintains them. On the certificate you will see a tin collection box. Such boxes were kept in most homes, classrooms, public places, for people to put their donations in - for trees. "I think Maria would have liked the idea. "Once again please accept my condolences. I will miss Maria very much. "With best regards, I agree with Dinah. Marivi would have liked the idea. Very much. And so do I.
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