Yad Kennedy

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Yad Kennedy is a memorial in Israel built to honor John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. It sits in the Mateh Yehuda Region near Jerusalem on the highest hills of the area, at an elevation of about 825 meters. The 60-foot-tall monument is shaped like the trunk of a felled tree, symbolizing a life cut short. Inside, a bronze relief of Kennedy is set above an eternal flame, and the surrounding area includes a memorial wall with Kennedy’s speeches and a small library of related photographs and documents. Fifty-one concrete columns circle the site—one for each U.S. state plus Washington, D.C.—with state emblems displayed on the columns and glass panels between them.

Design and construction
The memorial was designed by Israeli architect David Resnick, who later won the Israel Prize for architecture, with sculptor Dov Feigin, who created the Kennedy bust and the memorial wall. The project was funded by American Jewish communities and organized by the Jewish National Fund (JNF). The idea was to create a powerful, enduring symbol of friendship between the United States and Israel.

History and dedication
The plan for the memorial was proposed in 1964, and construction began in the mid-1960s. The dedication ceremony took place on July 4, 1966, drawing about 2,000 guests, including Israeli Prime Minister Levi Eshkol and U.S. Ambassador Walworth Barbour. U.S. Chief Justice Earl Warren attended and helped underscore the theme of liberty and peace. A children’s choir performed both Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem, and the Star-Spangled Banner during the ceremony.

Kennedy Peace Forest
Yad Kennedy is part of the John F. Kennedy Peace Forest. The forest was dedicated in 1964, and by mid-1966 millions of trees had been planted in the Kennedy Forest and the nearby United States Freedom Forest. The goal was to plant 5.5 million trees, matching the U.S. and Israel’s symbolic friendship. Over the years, trees have been planted in memory of other Kennedys and family members, including a “Kennedy Family Planting Circle.” Jacqueline Kennedy planted a tree at the memorial in 1978, and other Kennedy family members have participated in tree planting there.

Location and access
The site offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys; on a clear day, the Mediterranean Sea can sometimes be seen in the distance. The memorial is accessible via winding mountain roads from Ora and Aminadav, and it is about a 45-minute walk from the nearest main road. Group visits are commonly arranged with tour buses.

Name and meaning
The Hebrew word yad means “memorial” or “hand.” Yad Kennedy is thus the Kennedy Memorial, reflecting the memory of John F. Kennedy. The term yad is used in other Israeli memorials as well, such as Yad Vashem.

Other features
In addition to the Kennedy relief and eternal flame, visitors can find a small library containing papers and photographs about U.S.–Israel relations up to Kennedy’s time. A nearby picnic area, added in 1974, provides space for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery. The site also includes a donor wall and various plaques recognizing contributions to the project.

Legacy
Yad Kennedy stands as a symbol of friendship between the United States and Israel and as a reminder of Kennedy’s vision for peace and international cooperation. The memorial attracts visitors from around the world who come to reflect on Kennedy’s legacy and the bond between two nations.