This venerable sycamore standing in the city park is a silent witness to the events that transpired during the first decade of Rishon LeZion's existence. To quietly assert independence from Baron Rothschild's officials, a small group of settlers established a covert public fund named "Keren Kaemet." This fund was earmarked for land purchases, with each member required to contribute monthly and enlist at least two new members.

Through their efforts, the settlers managed to amass approximately 3,000 francs. Unfortunately, after the demise of Yehuda Leiba Binstock, the fund's custodian, the money seemingly vanished. It had been stored in the Jaffa branch of the French Bank Crédit Lyonnais, but the funds disappeared with Binstock, a teacher, having no heirs.

Over time, another poignant loss was suffered – the ancient sycamore tree under which the fund's founders would secretly convene was cut down. This was the same tree offering respite to pioneers resting beneath its shade overnight, waking to a new dawn with the words "Rishon LeZion" on their lips. A monument was erected in its place, and this remaining sycamore, its "companion" in the park, recalls its story.

Interestingly, the initial idea of a land-purchasing fund would re-emerge differently. In 1901, the Fifth Zionist Congress established the "Keren Kaemet leIsrael" or the Jewish National Fund. This organization was involved in land purchases up until the formation of the State of Israel, and it continues to manage the country's land assets to this day.