Attendees at the planting event Photo: courtesy of the Israeli consulate in Shanghai

The Consulate General of Israel in Shanghai launched "Israel Seed Challenge" at the downtown Xintiandi Square on Wednesday that gave participants a chance to win free Israeli tourist visas.

By scanning the QR code of its official Weibo and WeChat account, participants can receive a packet of seeds and five of them can get a chance to win free Israeli tourist visas if they revert with a photo of the planted seeds by June 10.

Besides, last Sunday, a unique plantation event was also held to express Israel's gratitude to China for the donation galore amid the coronavirus onslaught.

During this event that took place in front of the White Horse Cafe of the Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum, a sapling was planted to celebrate China-Israel friendship, particularly thanking the Chinese who donated medical supplies to Israelduring the coronavirus outbreak.

"Israel and China are best friends. Thank you for your generous help during the coronavirus outbreak," said Consul Limor Ganon.

Ganon also expressed her gratitude to Peng Xiangmo, initiator of the "Israel Initiative."

The initiative raised, with support of the consulate, over 1 million yuan($140,000) donation from Chinese companies and alumni associations to help Israel in the face of the virus outbreak in March.

 "During the Second World War, well-intended Chinese people living in Hongkou District helped our Jewish compatriots through difficulties and let them find another home in Shanghai. I sincerely hope that the friendship between China and Israel can be everlasting," Ganon said.

Participants at the Israel Seed Challenge Photo: courtesy of the Israeli consulate in Shanghai