The second annual Katzrin & Golan Heights March was held over the Passover holiday, celebrating 70 years of Hebrew song. Among the marchers were 200 new Olim from English-speaking countries, who made Aliya with Nefesh B’Nefesh.
Thousands of walkers from all corners of the country participated in the Katzrin and Golan Heights March, including a group of more than 200 new immigrants with Nefesh B'Nefesh. In addition to enjoying the wonderful trek through the spectacular scenery of the Golan, the immigrants got to make new friends, become familiar with places in Israel, some of which they had never seen before, and learn about the KKL-JNF's contribution to the building and development of the country.
KKL-JNF partnered in organizing this walk with the Local Authorities of Katzrin and the Golan, the Nature and Parks Authority and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel.
David and Judy Devoe made Aliya to Israel three years ago, after living in Alaska for many years. "We can certainly say that it was a significant change - and not just the weather," said David with a smile on his face. "As a Jew and a Zionist, I always wanted to live in Israel, ever since I was a boy. When I visited Israel as a tourist in the past, it felt completely different. Now I feel like an Israeli. We have an entire country we want to visit, and these kinds of activities enable us to get to get to know places.”
Nefesh B'Nefesh is an organization that works to promote the Aliya of Jews from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom to Israel, and since its establishment in 2002, the organization has been responsible for the arrival of more than 50,000 immigrants. KKL-JNF and JNF USA are partners in this activity, alongside other organizations. Nefesh B'Nefesh accompanies the immigrants through the absorption process and their integration into Israel, including in the fields of employment, education, interactions with government ministries, lone soldier support and assistance to those wishing to settle in the Negev and the Galilee.
"A day like this is an opportunity for social interaction, and meeting new and old friends," said Tzippy Oppenheimer, Director of Nefesh B'Nefesh in the northern region. "Collaboration with KKL-JNF enables us to connect immigrants to Israel through the soles of their feet, and to get to know the natural surroundings and landscape – which is the most Israeli thing there is."
Samantha Paperin, Events Coordinator for the northern region at Nefesh B'Nefesh, emphasized that the goal is to help immigrants get to know one each other as well as their new country.
The immigrants included people who came to Israel several years ago alongside others who only recently arrived. Chana Esther Day immigrated to Israel from Dallas, Texas just 3 weeks ago. She came alone, with her four children remaining in the US with their families.
"I'm in constant touch with my children, and sometimes we talk even more than we did when I lived in the US," said Chana. "I miss them a lot, and they want to know that their mother is doing okay. I tell them that Israel is, of course, very different from what they see on television. It's wonderful to be out and about on a day like this, to enjoy the scenery and get to know people who become part of my new family."
The March was launched by MK Itzik Shmuli, with a short greeting: "You have come to the most beautiful region in Israel, and I am sure you’ll enjoy the walk and the activities lined up for you."
The walk was divided into three tracks: 1.5 km, 4.5 km and 7.5 km long. Along the route, the adventurers enjoyed a series of activity stations dealing with various subjects, among them: a performance of piyutim (Jewish hymns) in which the audience joined in; sounds and colors of wildlife; nature and the environment; Israeli songs and building musical instruments. The children were invited to participate in a variety of games and quizzes, such as identifying sites based on songs, or playing Snakes and Ladders on a huge board designed to familiarize them with the country. The sounds of music and the children's joyful voices blended beautifully with the rustling of the trees and bird songs. This wonderful soundtrack merged naturally with the green landscapes and the colorful blossoming of spring.
The march’s route took the hikers through most of Katzrin Forest, planted by the KKL-JNF in the early 1990s. "On this day, we reinforce the connection between the KKL-JNF and the community," said Yigal Moyal, KKL-JNF’s forester in the Golan. “The infrastructure that we develop allows so many people to go out and enjoy our wonderful nature."
Eight-year-old twins Rachel and Leah Lowenthal went on the march with their parents, Aaron and Hannah. The family immigrated to Israel from Florida four months ago.
"I miss my friends in America, but I’ve already made new Israeli friends," said Rachel. "I help them learn English, and they help me with my Hebrew." When asked whether she already speaks Hebrew, Rachel replied in Hebrew: Ktzat ("a little"). Her sister Leah added that she loved Israel, especially the food. "It's nice to go for a hike on such a beautiful day," she said.
Chana Dvora Carro left Arizona two weeks ago and moved to Carmiel. "The vineyards of God," said Chana, translating the name of her new city. "As a Jew, I feel at home in Israel and feel a sense of security," she added. "I’ve visited Israel many times and planted many trees with KKL-JNF over the years. Now, I’m finally here as an Israeli American, and not just as an American dreaming of being Israeli. I am proud to live in the place that God always keeps his eyes on. There is nothing ordinary about any person or place in Israel."
At the end of the walk, everyone gathered in the ancient Katzrin Park, taking them back to the Mishnah and Talmud period. The historic site includes an ancient synagogue, a residential neighborhood and an olive press. The educational complex built in the park offered the visitors an experiential-historical journey through Israel’s history, from a meeting with Ben Gurion to sending electronic greetings to the modern State of Israel.
The day culminated in a huge happening for the entire family. The Oriental Kids Groove band inspired the audience with new versions of nostalgic childhood songs, and then everyone danced to the beat of the drums of the Tararam band.
All the members of the Nefesh B'Nefesh group returned home a bit more familiar with their country, with a closer connection to its landscapes, and new friends they met during the march. Life in Israel is undoubtedly challenging, but the sense of partnership and connection to the land gives a deep meaning to the immigrants’ decisions to build their homes in Israel.