President Herzog’s Cedar Tree in Gush Etzion Dries Up After Vandalism to Irrigation System

In Gush Etzion, a cedar tree planted by Israeli President Isaac Herzog has dried up following damage to its irrigation system, which local authorities attribute to vandalism. The tree was planted about six weeks ago during a commemorative event marking 80 years since the establishment of the Masuot Yitzhak kibbutz, a settlement destroyed by Jordanians during Israel’s War of Independence. The kibbutz was named after Rabbi Isaac Yitzhak Halevi, the grandfather of President Herzog.

The original Masuot Yitzhak kibbutz was under Jordanian control for 19 years until Israel regained the area after the Six-Day War, but the kibbutz itself was never rebuilt. It is located near the communities of Bat Ayin and Alon Shvut. Forty years ago, then-President Chaim Herzog planted a cedar tree at the site to honor his father, which grew to about 15 meters tall.

The regional council of Gush Etzion invited President Isaac Herzog to plant a new cedar tree near the original one as part of the recent event. However, the young tree did not receive water due to the damaged irrigation system, and combined with the heatwave in July and August, the tree’s leaves turned brown and it dried out. The council stated that the irrigation system is currently being repaired and expressed hope that the tree will recover and grow in the future.