The idea is grounded in science.

An average 70kg body produces 28-42 liters of necroleachate after burial. In the calcareous soils typical of Israel, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) - acetic, propionic, butyric - are nearly fully neutralized within weeks due to high pH of 7.5-8.5.^[1]

In a dry Mediterranean climate, decomposition differs fundamentally from European models: extreme moisture deficit slows putrefactive bacteria, leading to tissue desiccation. Full skeletonization occurs within 4-6 months under outdoor exposure - vs. two years in humid environments.^[2]

Trees and fungi near the burial site accelerate mineralization and return nitrogen and phosphorus to the soil - a process known as the Cadaver Decomposition Island (CDI). Studies show significant changes in plant species richness near green burial sites after 3-5 years.^[3]

General DRASTIC data for the Judean Foothills, not for a specific parcel that has yet to be selected, indicate a relatively low groundwater-contamination risk. A focused hydrogeological assessment will be required for each candidate site.^[5]

General climate data for the region may suit native forest species, including Palestine Oak (Quercus calliprinos). Soil fit, microclimate, and irrigation requirements will be assessed for every candidate site before species are selected.^[6]

Israel contains hundreds of thousands of abandoned graves. Families who emigrated, were forgotten, or dispersed. Graves no one has visited in decades - grey stones in grey rows, in the sun.

Yaar Ad is the solution that prevents abandonment: when the tree is the grave, it continues living even without visitors. It adds to the soil, the air, the wildlife - it doesn't remain a silent stone. The forest grows wild even when no one visits.

The wild heart of the forest is there - at the center, where the first were buried. Old trees, shaded, with their own history already.

Modern bodies contain PFAS ("forever chemicals") in 97% of the population. There is not yet sufficient research on their fate in green burial specifically in Mediterranean soil.^[7]

Project position: Scientific transparency is part of our commitment, and Yaar Ad plans to conduct groundwater monitoring from opening day.

A mature Palestine Oak (age 20-40) absorbs an average of 12-22 kg CO₂ per year. The planning target for the first phase is about 3,000 trees; under those assumptions, annual absorption at peak maturity is estimated at 36-66 metric tons of CO₂. This is a planning projection, not a measured result.^[3]

For comparison, conventional burial in a recycled wood coffin with an average concrete headstone emits 150-300 kg CO₂ per person. If the planning model is realized, each Yaar Ad burial may not only reduce emissions but also contribute to a developing carbon store across generations.