Blossoms of hope: The healing power of Israel's flowers
| Published date | 15 March 2024 |
| Author | MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN |
| Publication title | Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel) |
"Flowers are beautiful," he said.
This year, as conflict rages in Gaza, missiles are launched from Lebanon into Israel's North, and the country is living in a state of collective trauma, this longing for nature is even more pronounced. Tachnai said that for Israelis displaced or affected by the turmoil, the opportunity to reconnect with nature becomes a source of rejuvenation.
"Suddenly, they have good spirits," Tachnai said, noting nature's transformative power on traumatized souls. "The victims are often stoic. And when they come to nature, they can suddenly let go, laugh, play, and sing."
Israel's southern region, the area that Hamas terrorists infiltrated on October 7, is known for its red anemones – "kalaniyot" in Hebrew.
Winter in bloom
The first red anemones of the season were seen blooming in January in the Negev's Eshkol National Park. Their bright red color popped from the soil and stood out against the backdrop of the charred landscape that had been blackened by murder and fire only a few months prior.
In normal years, when the anemones adorn the South with a vibrant red carpet, tens of thousands of Israelis flock to see them. The anemones became especially popular with the launch of the Darom Adom (Red South) festival, founded by Ofir and Vered Libstein in 2007.
Ofir Libstein, head of the Sha'ar Hanegev Regional Council, was the first known victim of the October 7 massacre. He and his son, 19-year-old Nitzan Libstein, were murdered defending Kibbutz Kfar Aza, where they lived.
The Darom Adom festival has been held each year from mid-January until the end of February and includes enjoying red flowers, arts and crafts, and live performances. This year, there was no festival. Instead, in the aftermath of the Hamas massacre, the residents of the Gaza border communities asked the public not to come, Tachnai said.
"They said, 'We always host you for the anemones. We are not home now and cannot host you, so please do not go see the flowers without us,'" Tachnai said.
Moreover, most areas where the festival would have been hosted are closed-off military zones. One of the sole locations in the South where anemones bloom and visitors are allowed is Re'im forest, the site of the Supernova music festival tragedy, now commemorated with a memorial.
Due to decreased rainfall, Tachnai noted, this year's anemones are shorter and smaller than...
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