KKL-JNF's New Project: "Simply a Place"

The Jewish National Fund, in a new initiative for the public's welfare, "Simply a Place"—carefully selected spaces in nature. Special points, facing a spectacular view, unique blooms, or a quiet and hidden corner in the heart of the forest, inviting everyone to sit and rest, talk to yourself or to the Creator, practice meditation or yoga, or simply relax in front of the view.

KKL-JNF's new project, "Simply a Place", offers the public spaces in nature designed to allow a moment of pause, breath, and connection to ourselves and the environment. The first location opened these days in Begin Park in the Jerusalem Hills, which spans approximately 8,000 dunams. The chosen corner overlooks the Jerusalem hills. The site itself is a round surface designed in a minimalist style, adhering to ecological principles, blending in with nature, and inviting passersby to stop, put down their phones, breathe, and connect with nature and themselves.

Inspirational quotes about the connection between man and nature are engraved on the concrete, including:

"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better" – Albert Einstein

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience" – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Behind the idea is Adi Tana, KKL-JNF's audience engagement coordinator for the mountain region, who led the initiative out of the understanding that in recent times, many feel the need to stop, relax, and find a moment of true peace. Tana says that the initiative was born out of a desire to turn the forest into a place that allows internal connection, healing, and slowing down the pace, and to create spaces where one can simply be.

Adi Tana: "In the future, more corners will be carefully selected according to their uniqueness, exceptional view, special bloom, or a hidden and secret corner in the heart of the forest. Places that have something special that invites people to stop right there. Not a regular spot in the forest, but a place that tells a different story. In each of these corners, you can sit, talk to yourself or to the Creator, practice meditation or yoga, or simply relax in front of the view."

This is the first sign of corners of quiet and breath that will be established throughout the country, and will serve as a new focus for the connection between man and the forest. The corners are intended to expand the experience of visiting nature and allow the public, individuals, families, and communities to enjoy the forest not only during a trip and leisure time, but also as a space for renewal, listening, and strengthening personal resilience. The project is in line with KKL-JNF's vision to make the forests accessible to the general public and create for them an experience of living, accessible, and healing nature.

Entrance to Begin Park is free and without charge, and KKL-JNF asks the public to enjoy the place, preserve it, and leave behind clean and whole nature for all of us.

(Photo: "Simply a Place" in Begin Park in the Jerusalem Hills, by KKL-JNF. Photo by Adi Tana)