Marsha's Garden

The Garden in Memory of Marsha

We met Marsha Gardenschwarz for the first time when she came to us in 1999 on a mission from Denver to search for a partner community in Israel. Already in that 2-day visit we felt her warmth and love for humanity, for Israel and for Judaism. As time passed Marsha became the liaison between the Jewish Federation and Ramat Hanegev, a role she filled with passion, devotion and a deep faith in every project that evolved. She also became the liaison between Denver and Nitzana; she regarded the strengthening of that distant, isolated community as vital for settling the desert and absorbing Aliyah to Israel.
Later, Marsha was instrumental in forging the wonderful professional and interpersonal ties between the Search & Rescue Units of Har Hanegev and of Denver. These ties led to reciprocal visits which Marsha always followed

closely, with her personal touch, whenever the Har Hanegev unit stayed in Colorado. For several years Marsha was the living spirit behind the organization of all of the missions and delegation visiting Ramat Hanegev, establishing a tradition of reciprocal visits aimed at strengthening the partnership between the Coloradan Jewish community and Ramat Hanegev. And whenever Ramat Negev missions or individuals came to Denver, the Gardenschwarz

family opened its doors and hearts to them. Even when she finished her official role in the Federation, Marsha continued her personal connection with the people of Ramat Hanegev.
Later, when the Ayalim student village project was established, Marsha became one of its most enthusiastic supporters and advocates, since she believed that settlement of the Negev, like the continuation of the Jewish People and the State of Israel, can and will be realized by the younger generation.
Marsha's illness did not sever the ties between her and Israel and Ramat Hanegev. Last Passover, Marsha was able to come for one last visit to Israel with her family, to view the progress of the Ayalim project and to see the start of the garden being built in her honor.

During that final family visit in Ramat Hanegev, one could powerfully sense the cohesiveness and strength of the entire family: Ian, Hillary, Shana and David and Noah; their love, support and faith in the family and in one another were an inspiration to all. Marsha gave so much to Ramat Hanegev and Israel, and behind that giving stood Ian and the entire family. For this we are deeply grateful. We hope they will continue to regard Ramat Hanegev as their home in Israel. Marsha passed away, yet the inspiration she bestowed

on all of us here in Ramat Hanegev will remain with us, and we will never forget how fortunate and privileged we were to be counted among her friends.
It is in her honor and her memory that the garden has been established, adjacent to the -Adiel- village of the Ayalim Student Association located in the community village of Ashalim. 
Marsha's Garden constitutes an integral part of the construction around it; therefore, the elements used are from similar building materials that fit in aesthetically with the surroundings. The garden is a beautiful green oasis that offers lawns and shaded sitting areas, creating a cozy meeting place, not only for the Ayalim students but for the residents of Ashalim who live nearby.