On the road from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, near the vital pass of Shaar Hagai (view map) where fierce battles raged in 1948, stands a forest established by the Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel in conjunction with the Jewish National Fund.

The first trees were planted following the Six-Day War in 1967 to honor the memory of those olim from North America and members of their families who fell in Israel’s wars. The forest is a living memorial, an eternal link between the fallen fighters and the land they loved.  The scope has since been expanded to include those who fell in the pre-State days, as well as in terrorist attacks, including tourists and temporary residents.

 

It serves as a site of remembrance and reflection for Israelis and visitors alike. 

 

Since before the establishment of the State, more than 300 American and Canadians have fallen in Israel’s wars, defensive actions, and terrorist attacks. Their sacrifice has preserved the State of Israel for the Jewish people. 

 

The AACI Memorial Ceremony is held each year during the High Holiday season to honor the memory of those North Americans, or AACI  members, and members of their immediate families who have fallen while in service to the State of Israel or as victims of terror. This is a moving tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice so that Israel can exist as an independent and strong Jewish state. 

Click here to view our 2010 ceremony.

If you are available to occasionally drive to the site, or you – or someone you know – are interested in being shown the Memorial, please let our Jerusalem office (tel: 02-5661181) or Judy Ann Cohen (02-6514392) know.