What began as another reported collateral strike in an open area during the recent Iranian missile barrage on Israel became a major setback for the Simantov family. Debris from interceptions that landed between Sunday and Monday night struck their unique white lily field at the Seeds from Zion nursery, severely harming a rare preservation effort built across more than twenty years.

The project started in 2004 amid Carmel tunnel excavations. White lily bulbs found during construction were moved to the Simantov nursery under Nature and Parks Authority approval to protect the scarce species. Through tissue culture methods the family grew thousands of fresh bulbs, returning some to the wild in the Carmel region while keeping others at the site for further growth and safeguarding.

When the work began only a few dozen bulbs existed, Zion Simantov noted. Now the nursery holds tens of thousands. It is essentially the sole location in Israel preserving the original Carmel white lily, the authentic wild variety rather than a commercial type, which is then replanted in the Carmel and other fitting sites across the country.

The plot had reached its height just six weeks earlier. After twelve years of anticipation an impressive bloom appeared, with flowers nearly a meter high. Thousands of visitors arrived to view and photograph the display, and a strong seed yield was anticipated to support further expansion.

The morning after the attack revealed the extent of the harm. Thai staff contacted Simantov and urged him to reach the location at once. A large crater roughly six meters across was found inside the plot, with sections of ground displaced and scattered effects reaching hundreds of meters.

Police and Border Police personnel soon arrived, examined the crater, recorded details, gathered fragments, and departed. No government representatives have yet inspected the actual damage to the plants. Property Tax Authority officials are scheduled only for the following week.

This presents a distinct challenge, Simantov explained, unlike a standard orchard where lost trees can be counted and valued directly. The lily project is singular with few equivalents nationwide, requiring specialists to evaluate effects both above and below the surface.

Underground harm and unclear outlook

Much of the impact lies underground, where bulbs require years to develop and flower. The number of lost bulbs remains unknown and could reach hundreds or thousands, with full assessment possible only after months or years.

Hila Friedman, Simantov's daughter who helps run the nursery, described the loss as more than financial. It represents heritage and nature preservation, the result of decades of her father's dedication.

Extended path to restoration

While awaiting formal evaluation the family hopes some bulbs endured. They have no plans to abandon the effort, though recovery will take considerable time. What was lost in moments required more than twenty years to create.