The Green Dream: Herzl, Zionism and Israel’s Environment
Dr. Alon Tal, a leading Israeli environmentalist, gave a provocative and, at times, disturbing presentation before the American Zionist Movement on June 28th.
Dr. Tal focused on a few of the many critical challenges facing Israel and her environment. Stark facts indicate multiple errors made in the past, which led Israel to the position she is in now. These errors include the decision by early Zionists to drain the Hula, the failure to sufficiently protect Israel’s rivers and streams from pollutants, and the first plan following the War of Independence which led to a horizontal approach to Israel’s urban and rural development. Presented in their historical context, it is clear that, though some of these decisions were appropriate for Israel’s early years and political needs, there is a demand for significant change in light of population growth, climate change and other current environmental trends.
The lecture was fact-filled and engrossing. For those who missed Dr. Tal in person, you can view selected elements of his presentation below and on AZM’s YouTube channel. See photos from the event by viewing the picture gallery below.
The program was sponsored by the American Zionist Movement and the Green Zionist Alliance, with the co-sponsorship of COEJL and the Jewish National Fund.
To see more of Alon’s presentation before AZM please visit the AZM YouTube Channel. Subjects addressed by Alon include water, land use and open spaces, and demography.
Funding for the event was provided in part by the Dorothy and Harold Greenwald Foundation.
Ohad Knoller, Karmit Arbel
