A delegation of cyclists, friends of KKL-JNF Switzerland, set out to ride through Israel, all the way from Jerusalem to Eilat. En route they encountered some of the country’s unique landscapes, including the Judean Hills, the Adullam region, the Dead Sea, the Negev, Mitzpeh Ramon and the Arava.
Along the way the Swiss visitors also had the opportunity to observe at close hand a variety of KKL-JNF projects, including Yeruham Park, Kibbutz Neot Smadar, Moshav Idan, the Arava Peace Trail, the Vidor Center, an Arava agricultural research and development station, tree planting in arid areas to combat desertification, and the development of settlement and agriculture in the Negev.
“I read about the bicycle trails that KKL-JNF is developing all over Israel, and that’s how the idea of organizing a cycling trip was born,” explained René Stein of Zürich, who initiated the expedition. “I myself don’t cycle much, but I realized that this would be a wonderful way to explore the country and enjoy the sights at the same time.”
From Jerusalem to the Adullam region
The cyclists’ starting point was the First Station compound in Jerusalem, which, from the end of the 19th century onwards, was served railway station at the end of the historic Ottoman era Jaffa-Jerusalem line. Today the station has been transformed into an attractive entertainment and shopping compound, with the preserved railway house at its heart.
Acting Executive Director of KKL-JNF’s Resource Development Division Moshe Pearl and KKL-JNF Chief of Protocol Andy Michelson were on hand to greet the cyclists before they set out. “You are about to visit some of the most beautiful areas our country has to offer,” said Andy Michelson. “Along the way you will also become acquainted with the wonderful work that KKL-JNF does, in a large measure due to your help and that of our other Friends all over the world.”
After a light breakfast the cyclists assembled at the starting point and set out on their long journey. They rode along the streets of Jerusalem, made their way through the Jerusalem Forest to the Judean Hills, and from there continued to Adullam-France Park. They lunched at the Moshav Agur winery and spent their first night at Kibbutz Gal-On.
“I’ve visited Israel lots of times, but I’ve always toured it in a car,” said Martin Rosenfeld, who hails from Zürich. “Cycling provides a totally different kind of experience. This way we can really get to know the countryside, get in touch with nature and enjoy the beautiful scenery. And the physical exercise is an added bonus, of course.”
From the Negev to the Arava: The desert in bloom
The Negev’s Yeruham Park, which was established by KKL-JNF back in the 1950s over an area of about 4,000 dunam (approx. 1,000 acres), comprises a pine woodland, fruit trees, extensive lawns, charming picnic spots and its main attraction – an artificial lake. KKL-JNF Southern Region Landscape Architect Zohar Tzafon led the visitors on a guided tour of the park.
Amid the desert landscape the cyclists were delighted to be greeted by the captivating sight of a shady, tree-fringed lake inhabited by a variety of waterfowl. KKL-JNF’s Friends in Switzerland have helped to develop the park and have contributed to the construction of the playground that gives so much pleasure to local and visiting children. A new promenade is currently under construction, likewise with the support of KKL-JNF Switzerland.
“We planned the trip so as to showcase the Negev and present KKL-JNF projects in all their variety,” explained KKL-JNF emissary to Switzerland Ishay Haramaty. “This is the first time that we’ve embarked upon an expedition like this one, and it’s very exciting to see how much the members of the group are enjoying it. There’s no doubt that this is a wonderful way to experience Israel and get in touch with it.”
Their route continued through the streets of Yeruham, via the Big Crater (HaMakhtesh HaGadol) and Maaleh Akrabim, to the Arava. At the Vidor Center, a museum on Arava agriculture that was established with the support of JNF Australia, the visitors met Tania Pons-Allon of the Central Arava Regional Council’s resource development department, who told them about agriculture and settlement in the region. “Life in the Arava is very challenging, and it is possible mainly thanks to agricultural research and development, which work wonders here,” she said, before going on to emphasize KKL-JNF’s major contribution to all aspects of Arava life.
The presentation at the Vidor Center is based upon advanced technology: a sand table equipped with a computerized projection system portrays topographical processes in the region; wooden cupboards contain video screens that present the personal stories of families who live in the Arava; information about different crops is provided when the appropriate plot of sand is touched; and other exhibits portray biological pest control, fish-farming, a beehive and a whole host of other fascinating items. The visitors visited a show-greenhouse at the Central and Northern Arava Agricultural Research and Development Station, and were duly impressed by the flowers, herbs, cherry tomatoes and eggplants – and by strawberries that are grown suspended in the air using an aeroponic technique.
Cycling group member Ron Aufseesser of Geneva told us: “I love Israel very much and I’ve explored it many times, but never before by bicycle. In the ordinary way of things, I use a bike mainly for riding to work and back. This excursion, however, has not proved too hard, and we’re enjoying the magnificent scenery and the perfect weather enormously.”
After their break it was time to get back on the saddle, and the group members cycled on along the Peace Trail, which was established by KKL-JNF adjacent to the border between Israel and Jordan. They enjoyed the sight of the picturesque badlands and the fields of Moshav Ein Yahav, Moshav Hatzeva and Moshav Idan. At a scenic lookout built with from the support of JNF Australia, they paused to view the Nahal HaArava gully and the Mountains of Edom.
The day concluded with a tour of Moshav Idan, where former President of KKL-JNF Switzerland Robert Levy explained how the moshav was founded in the early 1980s. Friends of KKL-JNF in Switzerland had funded preparation of the land for farming and the construction of a community swimming pool. “The people who have settled here have a vision: they want to make the desert bloom and turn the wilderness green,” he said.
Robert Levy described what had tempted him to take part in the cycle ride. “I enjoy cycling, I love Israel and I’m a Friend of KKL-JNF. Every time you visit Israel you discover new surprises here – things you never dreamed existed – such as glorious nature, wonderful scenery, unique history, and life in the middle of the desert.”
From Mount Harif to Neot Smadar: Landscapes and people
On the morning before the final day of their trip, the cyclists set out from Mount Harif, which is situated 1,012 meters above sea level, to the west of Mount Negev. To those accustomed to the landscapes of the Swiss Alps this height may not sound very impressive, but this is actually one of the tallest mountains in the area. Apart from the magnificent desert views visible from its summit, Mount Harif is also important strategically, as it lies close to Israel’s border with Egypt.
As the cyclists made their way to Mitzpeh Ramon they enjoyed the excellent views, the clear, clean air and the fast downhill run. Afterwards they hopped on a bus that carried them to Kibbutz Neot Smadar in the Eilot region, where they were welcomed by Omri Yadin and Israela Corcos, who were among the community’s founders. “We regard the kibbutz as a school where we all learn all the time,” said Omri Yadin. “Our community focuses on inter-personal relations and strives for a harmonious life,” added Israela Corcos.
Kibbutz Neot Smadar was founded in 1989, and today it has around two hundred members, who make their living mainly from organic farming: vineyards, olives, dates, goats, wine, oil and cheese. In recent years they have also begun to offer tourist facilities. The kibbutz’s most notable feature is its arts center, an impressive building that houses a variety of galleries and workshops. A tall cooling tower in the middle of the building reduces temperatures with the help of water that is channeled through it. This unique structure, like the kibbutz houses, was built by the local residents themselves, from mud and straw.
The delegates visited the kibbutz’s Yaalon Educational Center, which was founded with the support of Friends of JNF-KKL Germany and hosts seminars on topics such as Life in the Desert: Man and the Environment. Here, too, KKL-JNF helped to prepare the land for farming and to create constructed wetlands that enable sewage water to be purified and reclaimed for irrigation of the orchards.
After the tour the delegates returned to their bikes and cycled on through the enchanting landscapes of the Arava to their overnight accommodation at Kibbutz Lotan. Their excursion came to an end the following day, with their arrival in Eilat, where some members of the group stayed on to spend the weekend relaxing and recovering. After a week of energetic cycling, they most certainly deserved it.
Rolf Meister from the Swiss town of Zug reported that during their long ride, the delegation members had become fast friends, thanks to the time they had spent together and the challenges they had shared. “In a world where everything happens so quickly, on a bike you’ve actually got time to take in the scenery and absorb what you’re seeing. It’s a pace that soothes both body and soul,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to do a bike trip like this one, and overcoming the challenges is a great source of satisfaction,” declared Marlyse Turkavka of Zürich. “Israel has a special place in my heart, and there’s a real sense of homecoming here. During the ride I discovered new aspects not only of Israel, but of myself, too.”