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History & Early
Achievements
History
We at Shomera proudly
trace our beginnings to a watershed event which paved the way for new
approaches to environmental activity which affected the urban community
of Jerusalem and served to inspire nationwide.
In
1996,
Tamar Gindis, a resident of Har Nof, learned of two large scale
proposals that posed serious environmental threats to the Jerusalem
Forest bordering her neighborhood - a large scale development project,
and the construction of a highway. To save the forest – a 1,200 dunam
green lung - Tamar rallied the support of the area's residents. Under
her leadership the group’s grassroots efforts were singularly
successful.
However,
Tamar
quickly realized that to ensure permanent preservation of the Forest and
open spaces in the capital, Jerusalem residents needed to be educated
about the resources at their doorstep, and about sustainable urban
living. With that aim, she founded Shomera in 1997 (then called The
Committee for the Quality of Life – Har Nof), and spearheaded the
formation of a coalition of organizations committed to preserving the
Jerusalem Forest.
Two years later,
Shomera established an Educational Center in the Jerusalem Forest on 20
dunam given to it by KKL. A trailblazer in its field, it was the first
ecological site in Israel to teach permaculture and organic gardening to
the general public. Shomera educational opportunities reflect the way we
believe learning is best absorbed – through experiential, hands on
activities. To serve populations who could not visit the center Shomera
offered educational programming at schools and community centers,
including programs for youth at-risk, blind youth, and individuals with
special needs.
Shomera leadership
has continually adjusted its approach to promoting sustainable urban
environments, allowing us to stay current and effective. Today, with
efforts to conserve natural resources and promote greenbuilding, we
stand at the forefront of initiatives which are entrepreneurial in
spirit -- having both national and international influence.
Early Achievements:
Saving the Jerusalem Forest
Pioneering environmental education
and the Shomera Educational Center
Linking Jewish life with the environment
Organizing
Israel’s first permaculture and public organic
gardening center
Award-winning work in horticulture therapy
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