The tree is present in almost every culture as a symbol of life. The planting of trees that took place today on Vasil Glavinov street coincides with the last day of the eight-day celebration of the Hanukkah. The act of planting a tree includes multifaceted and multidimensional symbolism, one of which is the birth of a new life. Therefore, in the name and out of respect for the Jews from Macedonia who participated in the National Liberation War, we are planting and creating a memorial park that will remind us of the courage, unity and optimism that led them.

The Hanukkah teaches us about the fight for freedom and identity, but also about the miracle that happened during the consecration of the second temple when the brave Maccabees defeated the Hellens. The oil that burned in the ruined temple was enough for only one day, but a miracle happened and the oil burned for 8 days, so the Hanukkah is called the feast of light and miracle and we celebrate it for 8 days.

Planting trees also signifies eternity and this is described in the Talmud, which says:

"A man was planting a tree. A passerby asked him: How long will it take you to enjoy the fruits of the tree? The man who was planting the tree answered: 70 years.

The passerby asked in astonishment: Do you think you will live that long?

The man replied: "I found many trees that my ancestors planted for me, I plant for my children!"

In addition, the planting of new roots is associated with the deep roots that the Jews have in Macedonia, the country in which we live and create. With the shedding of leaves in autumn and their rebirth in spring, the trees symbolize a life cycle. In the fruits of the tree there are seeds from which new life is born. Thus, the tree is not only a symbol of life but also a symbol of immortality and victory of life over death through rebirth. Today's act of planting symbolically represents our commitments to grow and take roots even after the trauma of the Holocaust. Together with the “Go Green” association from Skopje we are planting our hope and optimism for a better future for all of us. Their noble and ecological project "Eco Innovative Zones for Cleaner Air" heralds the green future of the new generations for whom we provide a healthy environment and educate them on how to keep the tradition that also has historical past. The new 20 trees, donated by the Holocaust Fund of the Jews of Macedonia, instill hope, faith and optimism for many days and years in the future and remind us of the Ladino proverb: Anisina topimos el mundo, Ansina lo vamos a deshar. As we found the world, so we will leave it.