By TANIA SHALOM MICHAELIAN

Lauren and Harold Iselin have dedicated a garden at the Ayalon Institute Bullet Factory, to note their late son’s courage and love of the outdoors while supporting the  Jewish National Fund-USA’s efforts to preserve Israel’s heritage.

Recently, Lauren and Harold Iselin of Albany honored their son, late son David, by dedicating a garden in his memory at a heritage site in Israel. Though they couldn’t mark the dedication in person as originally planned due to the war, the Iselins  told JNF that they hope h others will join them in helping Jewish National Fund-USA to preserve important historical sites in Israel.

The Iselins first visited the Ayalon Institute Bullet Factory, which is supported by Jewish National Fund-USA in Rehovot, 12 miles south of Tel Aviv while on a previous trip with the organization. They had been contemplating a significant gift in memory of David, and “Ayalon felt like the perfect project because its story is about young adults showing immense courage,” it was explained.

The Ayalon Institute was an underground ammunition factory, disguised as a laundry service, built in the years leading up to Israel’s War of Independence. Operated by a group of young Jews, the factory secretly produced around 2.25 million bullets between 1945 and 1948—right under the noses of British authorities. Many Israelis say that without the bullet factory’s contribution, Israel may not have won the war.

“David showed his own courage during his life, and Ayalon seemed to mirror that story of overcoming challenges,” said Lauren Iselin.

“Ayalon represents resilience and bravery in the face of British restrictions, as well as the need to prepare for a conflict with Arab nations determined to destroy Israel at its birth,” she added. “It’s a powerful reminder of how Israel has always overcome adversity through ingenuity and courage.”

“We chose to support the garden because David loved the outdoors, and this was a project that still needed funding to complete Ayalon’s redevelopment,” she noted.

Now completed, the garden is a peaceful, green space adjacent to the historic Children’s House, providing a natural flow from the new entrance. It also features interactive elements that may enhance the visitor experience at Ayalon.

The Iselins have supported other Jewish National Fund-USA initiatives in David’s memory, but this time they wanted to contribute to a capital project that people could visit. “I have a deep interest in history, and our visits to heritage sites made it clear how important it is to preserve and expand these sites, encouraging others to visit,” said Harold Iselin, explaining the couple’s decision to dedicate the garden at Ayalon.

“The Iselins have done so much to beautify Israel both physically and spiritually, and this gift perfectly encapsulates their dedication to this work and to their son’s memory,” shared Sara Hefez, executive director, New England and the Capital District at Jewish National Fund-USA.

While the family was disappointed that the dedication ceremony had to be postponed, they intend to see it in person.“We’re eager to reschedule and hope to visit Israel by next summer,” Lauren Iselin said.

The Iselins told JNF that they believe that heritage sites offer a unique opportunity to honor loved ones because they preserve stories for future generations. “They provide a meaningful way to create a lasting tribute that can resonate with both strangers who visit the site and with friends and family alike,” the couple shared with JNF/

Information about the Jewish National Fund-USA’s support for heritage sites in Israel may be obtained at jnf.org/heritage