Across several Israeli neighborhoods, a quiet but transformative initiative is changing the way urban communities connect with nature. Community forests—green spaces developed on the edges of residential areas and integrated into the local environment—are the result of a three-way collaboration between Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael–Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF), local authorities, and residents.
These forests aim to strengthen the presence of nature in urban settings while fostering connection, involvement, and a shared sense of responsibility among community members. Their success depends on the active engagement of all partners in their development, upkeep, and long-term stewardship.
Beyond their environmental value, community forests serve as hubs for environmental education, introduce residents to native Israeli ecosystems, and encourage outdoor recreation. By deepening the bond between people and their surroundings, these spaces strengthen communal ties and underscore the importance of preserving shared green environments. To date, KKL-JNF has helped establish 22 such forests across the country.
The initiative is especially meaningful in Haredi neighborhoods, where access to nature is often limited and family outings, particularly on Shabbat or with large families, can be challenging. In Jerusalem, two community forests have been established near predominantly Haredi areas: the Har Nof Community Forest, part of the larger Jerusalem Forest, and the Pisgat Ze’ev–Neve Yaakov (Mir) Community Forest.
These neighborhoods are home to large families with many young children. In many Haredi households, where women work and men focus on religious study, children benefit greatly from local, meaningful activities. Community forests meet this need by offering nature-based programming for children and teens, typically held two to four times a week during the spring and summer months. Many activities are connected to Jewish holidays or Rosh Chodesh, and are held separately for boys and girls, in keeping with community norms.
Programs include guided forest walks, map-reading workshops, nature crafts, and community gatherings—each designed to promote environmental awareness and a sense of belonging. Clean-up activities, often part of these events, reinforce a spirit of care and collective responsibility for the forest.
KKL-JNF continues to develop and adapt the forests through public participation processes tailored to local needs. In Har Nof, upgrades are currently underway to improve the main recreational area, which serves as a central hub for community events. The improvements include better accessibility for families with strollers and expanded gathering spaces.
Additionally, two new trails are being paved from Har Nof: one leading to Nahal Revida and Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital—providing a Shabbat-friendly walking route for visitors—and another that connects various trails throughout Jerusalem, enhancing the city’s green trail network.
