Bike Israel 2009

Follow Up Post From Ulla Hadar

2009-05-08T01:39:00.002+03:00

A Message From Bob & Susan Lapidus

2009-05-04T01:20:00.001+03:00

The first two days of our historic bike ride have been quite eventful. Our trip was launched in Tel Aviv at a dinner with Aharale Rothstein, Principal of the School in Sha'ar Ha Negev and Alon Schuster, Mayor of the Region. They extended us a warm welcome and their blessings and well wishes for a safe and meaningful trip. We will see them again when we are greeted by the Sha'ar Hanegev community upon completion of our ride on Yom Hatsmaot. The next morning we started North from Tel Aviv but stopped precisely at 10am (along with all of Israel) as the siren blared in commemoration of Yom HaShoah.

After a short shake out ride Tuesday evening upon arriving in Metula (about a stones throw from Lebanon), we officially launched our journey on Wednesday and road to Ginosar along the Kinneret (close to Tiberias); 55 miles in all and about 3000 feet of climbing. It was a roller coaster of a ride, descending 1200 feet to the Hula Valley and criss crossing the Jordan River a few times and then ascending to the upper Galeal with a stop in Katsrin for Shwarma and a tour of the HaGolan Winery, Then we rocketed down highway 87 starting at an altitude of 1300 feet and descending to 800 feet below sea level to the Kinneret. It was a hot day in the North with temperatures over 90. The Gold Star I drank after we pulled in to Ginosar was probably the most refreshing beer I have ever had in my life. We completed our day with a dip in the sea and dinner on the water at a nice restaurant in Tiberias. Allan Goldstein remarked that it was one of the most memorable days of his life and Susan and I would concur in these sentiments. Our group is bonding well from this unique experience and we are enjoying everyone's company.

Day 2 started with an 8 mile climb up into the hills of Tiberias (getting back above sea level) and a magnificent overlook of the Kinneret and the lower Galeal. We then headed South to Bet She'an with a stop for lunch at Gesher near the border with Jordan.

Despite a fall in the shower that almost ended Susan's adventure early, and a really pretty bruise on her back, Susan has been a real trooper and is up to the challenge. We are 14 in all, including 11 riders, and a great support team. They, along with David Mitchell, Director of Education with Alexander Muss Institute who has been our guide, have kept us safe, well fed and engaged in learning along the way.

Israeli's like to use their horns a lot to let you know that they are passing by, but with few exceptions they have been exceptionally courteous and deferential. That's a good thing because there are really no bike lanes in Israel. Pedestrians cheer us on with a "kol ha kovod."

Tomorrow we ride from Bet She'an to Caesarea, which will be another tough day in the saddle, but words fail me in trying to describe how wonderful it is to be seeing Israel from this perspective. We will have a rest day in Caesarea for Shabbat and then we "ascend to Jerusalem." I hope to keep you posted as time and internet access permit but I also invite you to the blog which is being updated daily with pictures, etc @ http://bikeisrael2009.blogspot.com/ and get information on the school at www.bikeisrael2009.com

Thank you all again for your support and encouragement of our efforts to build a new school for Sha'ar HaNegev.

B'shalom and L'Hitraot

Bob and Susan

Final Post Fom Ulla Hadar

2009-04-30T16:42:00.002+03:00

Link To Final Post From Ulla Hadar

Everyone Safe And Sound!

2009-04-29T23:01:00.005+03:00

Bike Israel 2009 An Amazing Success! This Year's Ride Is In The Books. Time To Start Planning Next Year.

Update Sponsor

Mitch Shack - Via Twitter

2009-04-29T16:57:00.003+03:00

Distance goal achieved. Financial target close and still hopeful.

Follow Mitch Shack On Twitter
Mitch858

Israeli flags - Rick Kornfled

2009-04-29T12:31:00.002+03:00

Israeli flags were being displayed in Tel Aviv for the memorial day/independence day celebration...

Victory Lap of Sha'ar HaNegev - Rick Kornfeld

2009-04-29T12:29:00.004+03:00

Today we rode with children and adults of Sha'ar HaNegev through the region We ended up at the black arrow park that memorializes the retaliation comandos of the '50's.

Sha'ar HaNegev's mayor, Alon, is riding with Mitch...

Celebrating Israel's Independence Day - Rick Kornfled

2009-04-29T12:29:00.003+03:00

We celebrated Independence day at Or Haner Kibbutz with a big group from the Kibbutz. There was a brief ceremony to end Memorial Day, and then the celebration started with dancing, singing, and dinner. During dinner there was a fashion show with kids dressed in clothes from Israel's past.

Ulla Hadar Story From San Diego Jewish World

2009-04-29T11:40:00.001+03:00

Link To Ulla Hadar Story

Mitch Shack - Via Twitter

2009-04-28T23:36:00.000+03:00

Made it to Shaar Hanegev. Great school will be even better thanks to generous support. Had to ditch bikes and hide when the alarm sounded.

Follow Mitch On Twitter
Mitch858

Jerusalem to Sh'ar HaNegev - From Andi Neugarten

2009-04-28T23:11:00.002+03:00

Hi from Israel....it has been an incredible week. We have ridden over 300 miles, from the very North to the South of Israel. Each day has been special. Each day has been different.

Today was our last day of riding...and it was my best ride of all.Only 50 miles today, but it was fast We were joined by some Israeli riders today and we pacelined all the way, with average speeds of 27mph. I felt great because I stayed with the front group....I feel SO connected to Israel. It has been very moving. Today we rode from Jerusalem to Shar HaNegev, which is on the border of Gaza. Its the area that is hit by missiles. It has been quiet here for the past few weeks although they were getting around 40 missiles a day fired at them from Gaza....thats the reason I did this ride...to raise money to build a missile proof school so the kids can be safe at school! ( The ride has raised over $100,000)! As we rode into Shar HaNegev today, we suddenly heard the siren....we were nowhere near a bomb shelter and all quickly left our bikes at the side of the road and took shelter behind a huge billboard.....(when you hear the siren you have 15 seconds to get to a shelter) not that there would have been much protection had we had a direct hit from the missile!! Anyway...it was quite an experience. I am staying on a kibbutz which is out of range of the missiles, but we can still hear if there are any sirens.

Jerusalem sits up on a hill. Trust me, on a bike you REALLY appreciate how long those hills are~As you know, its all built out of white stone, Jerusalem stone. The city is beautiful. Today we rode downhill from Jerusalem, through the surrounding forests and down into the Valley. I felt like I was in a place surrounded by God. I was flying down the hills and I really felt Hashem all around. It was very moving.

It has been a very special time to be here.

FIrstly, last week , just before we started our ride, it was Holocaust remembrance day. The whole country comes to a standstill as they remember all the Jews who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Today is Yom Hazikaron, which is a remembrance to all those that have died for Israel over the years. There are close to 22,000 people who have died in wars to protect Israel. Almost everyone in Israel has a family member or knows someone who was killed. Again, the country comes to a standstill and there are ceremonies all over to remmeber those that have lost their lives.

Tonight the party begins....tonight is the beginning of Yom Haatzmuot, or Israels independence day. We are going to a huge party at an Argentinian kibbutz. More food...WOW, we have eaten so much great food and drunk so much wine!

Andi Neugarten

San Diego bikers reach Jerusalem for Yom HaZikaron - Ulla Hadar

2009-04-28T19:08:00.004+03:00

Link To Ulla Hadar Post

Update 3 - after 5 days of riding in Israel - Leo

2009-04-28T19:07:00.004+03:00

Dear Supporters and Friends,

We are now almost done with our ride – we just got to Sha’ar HaNegev after riding 288 miles. Tomorrow we will ride around to all the Kibbutzim in Sha’ar HaNegev and reach our goal of over 300 miles! Yesterday was an absolute killer day – we climbed over 4000 feet but were rewarded by arriving at the gates of Jerusalem! Today is Israel’s Memorial Day – it is a very solemn day and I feel a deep connection to my people in this amazing country. Riding in Israel has given me a completely different perspective of this country I love SO much. On a bike you smell the flowers, talk to the people and really experience a country. On our final ride to the Kibbutz we are staying at tonight we heard the alarms sounding alerting us of incoming Quassam rockets – we all stopped riding, laid our bikes down and took cover. We heard the rocket explode but never saw it. Even with all its beauty we must all remember that Israel is still at war and that we must all support her – so it you haven’t please consider supporting our ride.

I have summarized the key statistics of the trip thus far below and added information about the actual course traveled.

As a reminder, I am riding to raise money for our friends in Sha’ar HaNegev. Sha'ar HaNegev is San Diego's Jewish community sister region. Our friends in Sha'ar HaNegev and Israel need our help. A new school must be built that will provide the students with protection from Quassam missiles. Please go to www.bikeisrael2009.com for complete information about this project.

11 brave (crazy souls) have been out on the roads fighting the element and the crazy Israeli drivers J!

http://sandiegojewishworld.com/2009-SDJW-Quarter2/20090428-jewish-tuesday99.html#HADAR

I have attached 5 photos for your enjoyment. The first is a picture our group at Har Megido (Armageddon) . The second is the bikes on the ground during the rocket attack. The third is picture at the Western Wall. The fourth is Allan and I after climbing over 4000 feet to Jerusalem . The fifth shows our group at the base of Jerusalem.

If you haven’t donated to the ride yet – please consider supporting us – this is a great cause. I am approximately at 80% of my goal. The link is below:

http://www.active.com/donate/bikeisrael/LSpiege

Todah Rabah (Thank you very much)!

Much love,

-Leo

www.missionventures.com

From Bike Israel Rider Mitch Shack via Twitter

2009-04-27T22:21:00.002+03:00

Climbed 4K feet to Jerusalem. Toughest day yet. 8pm siren to remember fallen soldiers. Total silence + tears brought the city to a stop. Wow

Bike Israel San Diego

2009-04-27T16:37:00.007+03:00

Amazing Turnout For Bike Israel San Diego.
Thanks to everyone who showed up and made the ride a success. As usual, San Diego weather cooperated. Special thanks to Rocky and Noah of Beach Access Software / E-Z-MRP for sponsoring delicious treats at Peet's Coffee!

Sunday April 26 San Diego Bike Ride For Supporters & Friends!

2009-04-25T21:28:00.001+03:00

Celebrate Bike Israel 2009 In San Diego!

When: Sunday April 26 9:00 AM
Where: Starbucks (Across the 56 from SDJA)
What: A Twelve Mile Bike Path Bike Ride From Starbucks To *Peet's and Back.

If you can't make it for the ride, just show up and be in a picture!

R.S.V.P. to
Scott Brown
scott@mbaleasing.com

*Yes, we'll stop at Peet's for coffee.

Update 2 - after 3 days of riding in Israel

2009-04-25T16:15:00.001+03:00

[If you wish to be deleted from future updates please reply to this message and let me know – thanks]

Dear Supporters and Friends,

We are now half way done with our ride and we have become a well oiled machine. The friendships and camaraderie of my fellow riders in addition to your support and love have been the motivation that drives me on to the next mile (well actually over 150 J). I have summarized the key statistics of the trip thus far below and added information about the actual course traveled.

For those of you getting this update for the first time (sorry I finally had time to complete the mailing list) I am riding to raise money for our friends in Sha’ar HaNegev. Sha'ar HaNegev is San Diego's Jewish community sister region. Our friends in Sha'ar HaNegev and Israel need our help. A new school must be built that will provide the students with protection from Kassam missiles. Please go to www.bikeisrael2009.com for complete information about this project.

11 brave (crazy souls) have been out on the roads fighting the element and the crazy Israeli drivers J!

Day One Statistics:

Total Miles: 54

Total Climb: 2400 feet

Riding Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Course: From Metulah (Lebanon boarder) up and down Golan Heights (near boarder with Syria) to Ginosar (next to Kinneret)

Day Two Statistics:

Total Miles: 39

Total Climb: 2000 feet

Riding Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

Course: From Genosar to Beit Shean

Day Three Statistics:

Total Miles: 60

Total Climb: 2118 feet

Riding Time: 4 hours, 10 minutes

Course: From Beit Shean to Casaria (took a detour to Zikhron Ya’akov – lovely hill L!)

I have attached 5 photos for your enjoyment. The first is a picture of me at the Baptismal site when John gave Jesus a bath. The second is picture of me and Allan Goldstein (my roommate) at Zikhron Ya’akov . The third is Allan, Rick Kornfeld (ride organizer and master rider) and me in the Jacuzzi at the Dan Caesarea Hotel. The fourth is a view from Decks restaurant (much thanks to Jack Zimer for arranging and buying dessert wine for our entire group!) in Tiberias . The fifth shows the Mission Ventures Logo and is really intended for my business partners and the IRS J!!!.

I have also attached an email from Ulla Hadar – she lives in Sha’ar HaNegev, is one of the riders and is reporting on the ride daily. Please enjoy her fantastic articles!

If you haven’t donated to the ride yet – please consider supporting us – this is a great cause. I am approximately at 75% of my goal. The link is below:

http://www.active.com/donate/bikeisrael/LSpiege

Todah Rabah (Thank you very much)!

Much love,

-Leo

Subject: Update 1 - after 2 days of riding in Israel

Dear Supporters and Friends,

It is will great excitement and a sore bum that I report on our progress thus far on this amazing ride to raise money for our friends in Sha’ar HaNegev. Sha'ar HaNegev is San Diego's Jewish community sister region. Our friends in Sha'ar HaNegev and Israel need our help. A new school must be built that will provide the students with protection from Kassam missiles.

11 brave (crazy souls) have been out on the roads fighting the element and the crazy Israeli drivers J!

Day One Statistics:

Total Miles: 54

Total Climb: 2400 feet

Riding Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Day Two Statistics:

Total Miles: 39

Total Climb: 2000 feet

Riding Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

I have includes 6 photos for your enjoyment. The first is a group shot at our first dinner in Tel Aviv. The second is the Tanur Waterfall. The third is a group shot as we began the ride. The fourth is the banner on the of our trailer. The fifth is Jeff Davis and me lying in graves at Bet Shearim. And the last is me riding down the road.

If you haven’t donated to the ride yet – please consider supporting us – this is a great cause. The link is below:

http://www.active.com/donate/bikeisrael/LSpiege

Todah Rabah (Thank you very much)!

Much love,

-Leo

Leo S. Spiegel

Managing Partner · Mission Ventures

www.missionventures.com

Shabbat Update From Andi

2009-04-25T06:16:00.001+03:00

Well, it was another beautiful day in Israel. What can I say, each day seems to get better than the next. Everybodys riding is getting stronger by the day. Today we rode 59 miles, an all time high for a number of people on the trip. Susan Lapidus has surprised herself, she rode over 45 miles today and she stayed with teh group most of the way. Its such a great accomplishment. Allan is climbing the hills like a monster. Its scary to think that he has just started riding. Ulla is incredible, she flies up the hills like a mountain goat and she is not even wearing clip ons. She will have to find a way to keep riding on the road as I think Israel could have found a new masters champion! Leo is styling on his fancy bike. He definitely wins the prize for well dressed....from the sexy bike to the matching Aessos jersey, pants, gloves and socks....and his riding ability is matching his great dress sense.Gary and Mitch are steady and consistent and also seem to be improving everyday. We are practicing our drafting techniques and becoming real cyclists! And Bob is as strong as a lion!
Today is a well earned rest day in Casearea. Its shabbat and we are all looking forward to a day of rest. Later today, we are being picked up by people from Shar HaNegev for an Argentinian BBQ at kibbutz Sedot Yam on the beach. More food...oy vay! Thank goodness we are riding as I think Ill be rolling off the airplane!

Sunday Ride Bike Israel San Diego

2009-04-25T06:12:00.001+03:00

Celebrate Bike Israel 2009 In San Diego!

When: Sunday April 26 9:00 AM
Where: Starbucks (Across the 56 from SDJA)
What: A Twelve Mile Bike Path Bike Ride From Starbucks To *Peet's and Back.

More News To Follow.

R.S.V.P. to
Scott Brown
scott@mbaleasing.com

*Yes, we'll stop at Peet's for coffee.

Friday Update From Ulla Hadar

2009-04-24T21:42:00.002+03:00

http://sandiegojewishworld.com/2009-SDJW-Quarter2/20090424-jewish-friday96.html#hadar

Thursday Update From Andi Neugarten

2009-04-23T19:21:00.001+03:00

Another beautiful day. Started with the clearest, brightest morning on the Kinneret. The air was simply beautiful when I woke up at 6am today. Crisp and fresh. Thank goodness the temperature had dropped overnight as yesterday was well into the high 90s when we rode. Today promised to be MUCH cooler...
We left Ginossar and headed along the Kinneret towards Tiberius...we could have continued straight, and we would have saved ourselves a LOT of climbing and about 15 miles! Instead, we took a right and climbed to the top of Tiberius. Its a huge climb...about three times Torrey Pines! Its relentless, but it felt so good to climb up and then stop to see the incredible view. WOW, it was worth it. The view of the Kinneret and the valley was breathtaking. The king and queen of the Mountain were Ulla and Allan. They were so fast. I'm sure they just wanted to get the mountain out of the way! Ulla rides without clip in pedals, which is even harder, so she was Really fast and strong
From there, we descended a fast 1000feet, back to the banks of the Kinneret, below sea level where we stopped at the place where Jesus was supposedly baptized. Pretty cool to see all the Christians being baptized.
Then we headed to point on the Jordan border for lunch. The mountains above us on the one side were Jordan. We could see Jordanian villages all along the mountain range. But we were safely in Israel. I can only imagine that the Jordanians were watching us very closely from their hidden lookout points in the Mountains!
We had a beautiful picnic lunch. Of course, the food is so good that we over-ate....but a short ride to the end of our say in Bet Shean followed.
We changed quickly and headed out to Sachne, the warm mineral pools. After some wine, beers and snacks, we all lazed around and took a leisurely swim. The water was wonderful!
We are all excited to head to the Med tomorrow. We will be in Caesarea for Shabbat and we have a great two days planned!

Thursday Update From Ulla Hadar

2009-04-23T19:18:00.002+03:00

Link To Latest Update From Ulla Hadar

Update 1 - after 2 days of riding in Israel

2009-04-23T18:59:00.000+03:00

Dear Supporters and Friends,

11 brave (crazy souls) have been out on the roads fighting the element and the crazy Israeli drivers J!

Day One Statistics:

Total Miles: 54

Total Climb: 2400 feet

Riding Time: 3 hours, 20 minutes

Day Two Statistics:

Total Miles: 39

Total Climb: 2000 feet

Riding Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes

If you haven’t donated to the ride yet – please consider supporting us – this is a great cause. The link is below:

http://www.active.com/donate/bikeisrael/LSpiege

Todah Rabah (Thank you very much)!

Much love,

-Leo

Leo S. Spiegel

Managing Partner · Mission Ventures

11455 El Camino Real, Suite 450 · San Diego, CA 92130

858-350-2100:P · 858-350-2101:F

www.missionventures.com

Bike failure

2009-04-23T18:17:00.005+03:00

Bob's holding up his rear wheel after snapping a spoke on a downhill. Luckily, the support guys had a spare.

Dinner in Ginosar

2009-04-23T18:17:00.003+03:00

We had dinner at a great place in Tiberias on Wednesday night. Lots to drink including beer, wine, tequila shooters....

We sat outside. The view of Tiberias and the Kineret was fantastic!

When it's time to pray...

2009-04-23T18:17:00.001+03:00

Crossing the Jordan

2009-04-23T18:10:00.007+03:00

On a bridge crossing the Jordan river. Up above the Kineret, the river is pretty large; especially compared to sourth of the Kineret.

banner

2009-04-23T18:10:00.005+03:00

This is the truck that's carrying our bikes and stuff.

Looking down from sea level

2009-04-23T18:10:00.003+03:00

Here's Gary and I looking down at the Kineret from Sea Level!

Jump!!!

2009-04-23T18:10:00.001+03:00

We visited the most beautiful pools near Bet She'an. The water is crystal clear and perfectly blue. Felt great after a day of riding.

Gary decided to jump in off the cliff into the pool.

Mitch's jacket goes for a swim

2009-04-23T17:54:00.009+03:00

Nothing like having your jacket take a dip at a great trout restaurant...

Rick overlooking Lebanon

2009-04-23T17:54:00.007+03:00

Just did the check out ride. Good thing since we had a few bike problems that we needed to work out before the start of the ride tomorrow. Tomorrow we ride from Metula to Ginosar with a stop at the Golan Winery and a few other sites. Stay tuned...

Davis' after scarfing trout

2009-04-23T17:54:00.005+03:00

Everyone (almost) with Alon and Aharale

2009-04-23T17:54:00.003+03:00

Taking a dirt nap...

2009-04-23T17:54:00.001+03:00

An Update From Andi Neugarten

2009-04-22T23:03:00.000+03:00

What a beautiful day...It was HOT! over 90 degrees.
The day started with an easy downhill from Metullah. As we left the Lebanon border, we could stare out of the Hula valley. It was crisp and beautiful. Our fast descent turned into some rolling hills as we headed towards the Golan Heights. We climbed and climbed, but it was worth it. We can never give this back to Syria.....its too beautifully, but also, we learned why its such a vantage point as you can see for miles. If you own the Golan Heights, you own most of northern Israel.

A delicious lunch in the old town of Katzrin followed and then a visit and wine tour of the Golan Heights winery. The wines were delicious and the air-conditioning was a welcome respite from the heat. I had no idea that they grow so may grapes and bottle over 6 million bottles a year...that's huge!
The wines are really good...and secondly, they are kosher. As they said...they make great wines...which just happen to be kosher. These wines can compete anywhere in the world.

And after wine tasting, a long descent, from 1600 feet to minus 100....sea level at the Kinneret. We all took a beautiful refreshing swim. I felt baptized as the water from the Jordan river runs into the Kinneret.

It was a special day for Susan, Allan, Leo and Mitch. They had never ridden that far! 53 miles.....and they were all absolutely phenomenal! So impressed.
The day ended with dinner at Decks, in Tiberius, on the banks of the Kinneret. It was a very special day!

Latest Post From Israeli Journalist Ulla Hadar

2009-04-22T22:55:00.003+03:00

Bikers for Israel reach starting point on Yom HaShoah Link To Newest Ulla Hadar Story About Bike Israel 2009.

Gary Arrives!

2009-04-22T21:23:00.002+03:00

Better Late Than Never. Gary Gets His Transportation Arrangements Settled.
Gary Kornfeld

Breaking News

2009-04-22T21:12:00.004+03:00

Celebrate Bike Israel 2009 In San Diego!

When: Sunday April 26 9:00 AM
Where: Starbucks (Across the 56 from SDJA)
What: A Twelve Mile Bike Path Bike Ride From Starbucks To *Peet's and Back.

More News To Follow.

R.S.V.P. to
Scott Brown
scott@mbaleasing.com

*Yes, we'll stop at Peet's for coffee.

The Whole Group Ready To Ride

2009-04-22T21:09:00.002+03:00

Bob & Susan Lapidus

2009-04-22T21:07:00.001+03:00

Israeli Journalist Ulla Hadar Blogs For Bike Israel From The Road

2009-04-21T19:21:00.004+03:00

Link to Ulla Hadar StoryBIKERS FOR ISRAEL—From left to right, they are Rick Kornfeld, Leo Speigel, Mitch Shack, Mayor Alon Schuster, Robert Lapidus,,

Allan Goldstein, Dr. Jeff Davis, Mardelle Davis, Ulla Hadar and Andi Neugarten.
Link to Ulla Hadar Story

Erez' Bike Shop In Ramat Gan

2009-04-21T01:58:00.003+03:00

Nearer To Heaven? Erez's Bike Shop In Ramat Gan has Beer On Tap!

At The Bike Shop

2009-04-20T22:56:00.002+03:00

Rick, Jeff and Leo investigate the bike available for rental in Israel.

At The Airport

2009-04-20T16:41:00.003+03:00

Mitch, Jeff, Rick, Leo and Mardelle

Just Heard From The Group

2009-04-19T23:13:00.002+03:00

Seems like almost everyone made it to Israel with no trouble. After a long day of traveling, the group met with some of the Sha'ar Hanegev School administrators for dinner in Tel Aviv.

Gary K, had a "Passport Malfunction" and will be joining the group a little late.

Pictures and Info to follow as I get updates.

Ready to go!!

2009-04-18T04:35:00.001+03:00

Tomorrow we leave for Israel! I’ve got some packing to do, but I can’t wait to get to Israel and begin our trip! Went to the UCC with Gary to get him clothes, gloves, and misc. Treated myself to a new helmet…

See you all in Israel!

-Rick

The Happy Couple

2009-04-07T21:52:00.000+03:00

.
..
...
M B A Leasing
We Lease Everything

Rick The Skater

2009-04-06T05:55:00.001+03:00

Principle Of Sha'ar HaNegev School - Aharale Rothstein

2009-04-04T21:07:00.003+03:00

Important Athletic Supporter - Dr. David Smotrich

2009-04-04T01:42:00.004+03:00

I'm Lovin' It

2009-04-04T01:30:00.002+03:00

I'm excited!

2009-04-04T01:22:00.003+03:00

I’m really looking forward to the trip. Not only will we have a great time, but we’ll be helping our friends in SHN!!

-Rick

My recent planning trip to israel

2009-04-03T19:50:00.001+03:00

Last month I went to Israel as part of the pre-planning trip for our bike ride in April.

As I sat in the garden at Kibbutz Derot in Sha'ar HaNegev last Friday afternoon I heard two explosions nearby...I knew that Kibbutz Derot was out of range of the missiles which were being shot daily from nearby Gaza City (Gaza City is only a few miles away and from some points in Sha'ar HaNegev its only about a mile away).

Later on , as I asked what the explosions were I was told that they were two missiles which had fallen into an open field nearby. Luckily nobody was hurt.

We had Shabbat dinner that night at a home in a kibbutz very close to the Gaza border and in range of the missiles. I was concerned and asked what we should do if the missile alarm sounded. I was told not to worry as missiles were rarely fired on Shabbat. Not because of the religious significance of the day but rather because nobody was outside and the missile damage would be minimal. Missiles were usually fired from around 8am in the morning when people would be out and about and the chances of a fatality were higher. But I was shown the bomb shelter which was inside the house. It was very much like the laundry room in my house except that it had extra thick, solid walls and the doors and windows were made of steel. WOW, a bomb shelter in a house!

Most of the homes are fitted with an alarm system that is activated when a missile is fired. When the signal is heard, everyone has fifteen seconds to get to a shelter. As a South African who lived with alarm systems and electric fences, this gave a whole new meaning to the word 'security'. Anyone who is not near a shelter should lie on the ground with their hands over their head and hope that they do not get a direct hit.

One of the Kibbutz's, which is the closest to Gaza City, is so close that they do not even have alarms as there is simply not enough time. This Kibbutz has suffered the highest number of fatalities.

When I asked some of the people who live in this area why they don't leave, they looked at me in surprise and said, "leave, but whey? This is our home. We protect the borders of Israel. If we leave, the Palestinians will just move closer."

There is so much that we take for granted in our everyday life:

Our kids worry about which colleges they will get into when they leave school. Israeli kids only think about college when the leave the Army. Every Israeli kid goes to the Army for between two and five years!

I send my kids to school everyday without any thought for their safety. In Sha'ar HaNegev, the protected classrooms, which are missile proof are blue on the inside. If the kids are not in a blue classroom when the alarm sounds, they have fifteen seconds to get to a shelter.

There are no outdoor sports at school. Its simply too dangerous.

Sometimes there are only two missiles launched each day, sometimes its ten and at the height of the war a few weeks ago, there would sometimes be forty to sixty.

I cannot even begin to imagine what this would be like.

As part of our pre-planning trip for the bike ride in April, we left Sha'ar HeNegev and drove up to Metullah, the northernmost point of Israel, where could look out over Lebanon and Syria. Then we rode our bikes from Metullah, up the Golan Heights , over the Jordan River and down to the Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee. From there we headed west, along the Jordan border to Caesarea, on the coast of the Mediterranean. From there it was to Tel-Aviv and then through the West Bank, to Jerusalem.

It was pretty amazing as I got to see most of Israel and I could appreciate her natural beauty, ancient history and natural resources.

The people living in Sha'ar HaNegev told me that they feel abandoned by the rest of the world. Even by their own Government. I mean, who lives in that kind of danger anywhere else in the world ? If something like that were happening anywhere in the US, troops would be called in immediately.

So, in April, myself and another twelve people will be riding from the north to the south of Israel, 350 miles over six days. This bike ride is a fundraiser to build a missile proof school in Sha'ar HaNegev. A place where the kids can learn and be safe every day. Something so basic , something that we take for granted, something crucial to the existence of the area.