In what has become an annual tradition at the Keren Hayesod supported Nitzana Youth Village, located along the Israeli-Egyptian border in the Western Negev, Hanukkah will be marked by a semi-marathon torch run to take place on the first day of the festival, on December 22.  Participants will include Ethiopian sprinters from the Kedma program, members of the Ramat Hanegev regional council triathlon (running, swimming and cycling) team, soldiers from nearby bases, and others.  The 21-kilometer run, which will end at the youth village, will pass various sites such as the Nitzana desalination plant, the Givati army base, Kadesh Barnea, and the border.  A shorter course is designed for high school pupils, youth movement members, and student volunteers in the Ayalim project.

This year for the first time, participants will include runners from abroad!  A seven- member group of Keren Hayesod’s Collectieve Israel Actie Young Leadership in Holland, headed by Gavriel Troostwijk and Joel Kremer, will take part in the semi-marathon, as part of their effort to raise money for the Young Leadership (Young CIA) projects: Ayalim and support to Ethiopian orphans in Jewish Agency absorption center. To date thousands of euros have been raised.

Gavriel Troostwijk                                Joel Kremer

The Hanukkah torch, the symbol of Maccabean heroism, borne by new immigrants, veteran Israelis, and soldiers, is emblematic of the many populations that Keren Hayesod brings together.  The event calls to mind Keren Hayesod’s major activities – aliyah and absorption, strengthening the periphery, building the Negev, the Ayalim project and Jewish Zionist education as well as building a living bridge between Israel and the worldwide Jewish community.

Culminating the race on the eve of the second day of Hanukkah will be the candle lighting ceremony, followed by a party for the runners and area residents.