Trees and Life for Vietnam was a countercultural organization from the late 1960s through the early 1970s. Trees and Life for Vietnam was the last and final title of an organization originally called the Jewish Campaign for the People’s Peace Treaty. It then became Trees for Vietnam and lastly it was Trees and Life for Vietnam. The first organizational title, the Jewish Campaign for the People’s Peace Treaty (JCPPT) was started by Arthur Waskow, a social activist during the 1960s. JCPPT was one of several adjunct organizations he started in addition to the main organization started by Waskow, in addition to the main organization begun by him-Fabrangen. Among the goals of Fabrangen was to provide an organizational platform for Jewish study, prayer, community-building, and social action. The main focus of JCPPT was social action against the Vietnam War. Planting trees became a symbol of renewing and reconstructing the areas of Vietnam that were deforested by American bombers during the war. This idea of replanting comes directly from the Torah and is why the organization became Trees and Life for Vietnam. Trees and Life for Vietnam essentially linked the effect of the war on Vietnam to the effect of the holocaust on Jewish people. Trees and Life for Vietnam did several things to attain its goals. It attempted to raise funds for the reforestation of Vietnam from the United States and Canada. It took part in peaceful anti-war ceremonies and the group raised funds for humanitarian aid as well. In addition to fundraising, Trees and Life for Vietnam had at least one meeting with the leadership of North Vietnam to champion their cause.
From the guide to the Trees and Life for Vietnam Records, undated, 1971-1973; 1990, (American Jewish Historical Society)
