Near Tiberias, a forest is to commemorate Alfred Heer

As a member of the National Council and the Council of Europe, Zurich-based SVP politician Alfred Heer fought tirelessly, unwaveringly, and outspokenly against antisemitism and for the right of the Jewish state of Israel to exist. He had been doing this long before October 7, 2023, but even more so afterward. For “Fredi Heer,” as he was affectionately known, it was always clear who the victims and who the perpetrators were in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians—and who needed to be defended. It was therefore a great shock not only to his friends and family but also to the Jewish community in Switzerland when Fredi Heer died unexpectedly in September 2025. To honor him and keep his memory alive, a 5,000-square-meter area in the Swiss Forest near Tiberias—devastated by fire—is now to be replanted with trees. A commemorative plaque there will serve as a permanent reminder that the Jewish communities in Switzerland and Israel had a steadfast friend and defender in Alfred “Fredi” Heer.

You can make a donation to the Memorial Grove via IBAN CH54 0900 0000 8002 1891 0.