Jerusalem, Israel – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis visited Yad Kennedy and planted a tree in the John F. Kennedy Peace Forest. A memorial to the 35th President of the United States, the John F. Kennedy Peace Forest was established in 1964, a year following Kennedy’s assassination. President Kennedy was greatly admired by Israelis and American Jewish communities for his open support of the then young nation of Israel.
The Governor’s visit coincided with the anniversary of President Kennedy’s birthday and included Attorney General Ashley Moody and members of the delegation.
“I am honored to be planting a tree in the beautiful and historic John F. Kennedy Peace Forest,” said Governor DeSantis. “More than 50 years ago, President Kennedy supported Israel when it was a young nation and understood its promise. Today, I plant this tree on behalf of the people of Florida and as it grows may it serve as a symbol of the strong friendship between our state, nation and the nation of Israel.”
Located in the Mateh Yehud Region, the Kennedy Peace Forest was inaugurated by the Jewish National Fund in 1964, one year following President Kennedy’s assassination. By 1966, the Yad Kennedy monument was built and more than 1.5 million trees were planted by hand. Additional trees were eventually planted, including trees to honor the memory of Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who all died tragically young.