A mission of 27 representatives from the greater London Jewish communities recently concluded a unique trip to Israel: the annual "walk for water," this year, in support of the restoration of two Negev reservoirs, Masu'ot Yitzhak and Negba. The mission continued a 16-year old tradition of becoming acquainted with Israel by foot, in a challenging and especially meaningful trek to raise funds, each year for a different project to support Israel's water economy.
It was a five-day hike of about 65 kilometers. Participants on the mission walked a route "from sea to sea" - from the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee, starting in Hanita, at an opening ceremony in their honor.
We met the participants in Nahal Amud, who were all full of enthusiasm from the trip. This was on the fifth day of their trek, shortly before the finishing line at Ginosar on the Kinneret.
Allen Bredstock and Stanley Grossmith described their experiences. "We're walking for water for Israel - that's the whole story, short and sweet. This is proof of our commitment to Israel, an expression of our support for Israel. The physical effort allows us to check our stamina while expressing that commitment to the State of Israel and our great desire to contribute. Water is the most important thing in the whole world and that's what we're here for. The trek is pleasant and friendly and it inspires us to give more and more. It is a real challenge for us and for all the donors. We want to once again emphasize that we're here for Israel and for KKL-JNF."
Andrew Pater also shared his feelings. "This trip has been especially exciting for me. Although it is the fifteenth time I am walking for water in Israel the challenge and the joint purpose always overwhelm me anew. The event in which we participated in the Biriya Forest was especially moving as this was my third visit to the fortress and forest and the investment and changes are astonishing. KKL-JNF is doing some very professional work there. A reception was arranged there for us with singing and musicians. I am so proud to be here with this mission! Contributing to KKL-JNF is part of my family tradition; my family always contributes to KKL-JNF in every possible way so here I am walking for water in Israel."
Adrian Laskowicz, one of the coordinators of the trip in London gave his viewpoint. "We love Israel and want to contribute for the country. The Jews who participate in this mission enjoy bonding together in the mutual effort that leads others to contribute and promotes the construction or renovation of new water reservoirs in Israel. They like visiting Israel seeing how the country is developing and getting stronger, how the reservoirs are becoming more numerous, how what they are doing raises the consciousness of the Jews in England and they like seeing the works of KKL-JNF. This trip has great meaning for them - even more with every step they take on their arduous walk. The combination of love for Israel, the challenge of coping with the terrain, and the challenge of fundraising for such an important cause, turns the trip into a central link in the chain between the greater London communities and KKL-JNF and the Land of Israel. It transpires that even after everyone has returned home to the UK although the trip has ended, the donations continue to flow in - which is very heartwarming."
In Israel, as in the rest of the world, water shortages have become more and more acute. The geographic location of Israel, its population growth, the increase in the standard of living, the great demand in relation to the limited water sources, the number of consecutive years of drought and the solutions that are lagging, have worsened the situation of Israel's water economy to a veritable crisis.
After over five years of drought and an especially dry winter, the water crisis has peaked and the resources for potable water in Israel are at an unprecedented low. Of all the water sources, the situation of the Sea of Galilee is the direst: as of Monday, 26th October 2009, the water level of the Sea of Galilee was minus 214.37. This means 5.57 meters below the upper red line and only 1.37 meters above the lower red line.
In view of this, the trek of the UK mission is especially significant as a means of helping to alleviate the critical situation of Israel's water economy.
Shlomo Ben Haim, KKL-JNF Tourism and Mission Department said, "I have been accompanying the walk-for-water missions since 1996. This mission is like a big family, helping each other and loving each other. The goal is before their very eyes at every stage of the trek: they want to help KKL-JNF in order to help Israel's water economy. It is a real experience to travel with them and this mission includes people of all ages: a 77-year old man with great motivation walking for water. It fills me with emotion and gratitude and I wait for more missions like this with anticipation. They give me so much strength."
Samuel Ezrahi remarked. "This activity is a blessing with many challenges and great satisfaction. I do it every year! This is my eleventh walk and it won't be the last. I live in London but my heart is here. The people in the group are wonderful-so generous, so helpful to each other, to KKL-JNF, to Israel. This is why we are here and why we will keep coming back."
Sonia Mayers, Andrea Williams, Simon Baron and Vivian Bejerano: "There is something so special about this trip, walking for water and strengthening our connection to Israel. This is not the first time: these people walk for water every year. If you don't manage to be here for a few years you feel as though you're missing so much. Then, all of a sudden our children started going to Israel on youth programs so we decided to join the next Walk for Water. This is my place, the place for all of us. Israel needs water, and we will help."
Tracy Lee and Yaffa Frydman, from London and Manchester added. "Walking for water has been part of our life for 12 years - we wouldn't want to miss it. Until you do it you can't imagine how great the experience is. We overcome the obstacles, get tired, help and encourage each other. The feeling is like family. Our connection with KKL-JNF allows us to feel that we are part of Israel. On the walk you can also see where the donated money goes, the wonderful things KKL-JNF is doing for Israel. This is how you know that even in hard times it is worthwhile to continue contributing. We are here, after all, so that the world will be more beautiful."
