A delegation of Dutch ‘Christians For Israel’ came to the Golan in mid-November with their annual gift of 9,000 tulips, according to Golan On-Line.
This unique gesture of solidarity started six years ago, on Israel's 50th anniversary, on the initiative of Mr. Pee Koelewijn, a Dutch Christian Zionist leader. He and the members of Christians For Israel raised funds to bring 100,000 tulip bulbs to the people of Israel. Koelewijn contacted the Golan Residents Committee (GRC) who enthusiastically accepted his offer. Koelewijn passed away two years ago, but the “Tulip Campaign” continues, memorializing his profound love of Israel.
Ms. Henriette Heuvelman-Beelaerts van Blokland and Mr. Herman Schotanus, two of the leaders of the group, explained that the organization is active on Israel’s behalf, today more than ever, with anti-Semitism increasing in Europe. The Dutch Christians For Israel publish their own newspaper, help bring Jews from the Ukraine home to Israel, sell Israeli products, and raise money for Israeli children in need. Most of their work is done in Holland, but they frequently come to Israel to show their support.
In addition to the tulip bulbs, the Dutch Christians for Israel donated 25,000 NIS to the Golan Welfare Departments. They heard about the cold winters of the Golan and decided to lend a hand in making this winter warmer for the senior citizens and the children.
A festive ceremony took place in the Golden Age Club in Katzrin on November 13. The Mayor of Katzrin, Sami Bar Lev, and the Head of the Golan Regional Council, Eli Malka, presented the delegation with a picture of the old synagogue of Katzrin.
The Secretary of the Dutch Board, Ms. Henriette Heuvelman-Beelaerts van Blokland, opened her speech in Hebrew, and explained the activities of Christians For Israel. As she spoke about CFI’s efforts on behalf of Ukrainian Jewry, a couple stood up and, with tears in their eyes, told those present that they were living in the Golan today, thanks to the Dutch organization’s assistance.
The ceremony closed with the planting of tulip bulbs in a new children’s playground.
This unique gesture of solidarity started six years ago, on Israel's 50th anniversary, on the initiative of Mr. Pee Koelewijn, a Dutch Christian Zionist leader. He and the members of Christians For Israel raised funds to bring 100,000 tulip bulbs to the people of Israel. Koelewijn contacted the Golan Residents Committee (GRC) who enthusiastically accepted his offer. Koelewijn passed away two years ago, but the “Tulip Campaign” continues, memorializing his profound love of Israel.
Ms. Henriette Heuvelman-Beelaerts van Blokland and Mr. Herman Schotanus, two of the leaders of the group, explained that the organization is active on Israel’s behalf, today more than ever, with anti-Semitism increasing in Europe. The Dutch Christians For Israel publish their own newspaper, help bring Jews from the Ukraine home to Israel, sell Israeli products, and raise money for Israeli children in need. Most of their work is done in Holland, but they frequently come to Israel to show their support.
In addition to the tulip bulbs, the Dutch Christians for Israel donated 25,000 NIS to the Golan Welfare Departments. They heard about the cold winters of the Golan and decided to lend a hand in making this winter warmer for the senior citizens and the children.
A festive ceremony took place in the Golden Age Club in Katzrin on November 13. The Mayor of Katzrin, Sami Bar Lev, and the Head of the Golan Regional Council, Eli Malka, presented the delegation with a picture of the old synagogue of Katzrin.
The Secretary of the Dutch Board, Ms. Henriette Heuvelman-Beelaerts van Blokland, opened her speech in Hebrew, and explained the activities of Christians For Israel. As she spoke about CFI’s efforts on behalf of Ukrainian Jewry, a couple stood up and, with tears in their eyes, told those present that they were living in the Golan today, thanks to the Dutch organization’s assistance.
The ceremony closed with the planting of tulip bulbs in a new children’s playground.