About 25,000 young Israelis participated in a march marking the 70th anniversary of the state of Israel. Marchers included members of KKL-JNF scouting clubs, students of pre-military academies and various social organizations. World Leadership Conference participants also had an opportunity to have a small taste of the experience by marching together with the young people.
One group of walkers left Kiryat Shemona in the north about a month ago, while a second group left Eilat in the south at the same time. All along the way, there were various events related to Israel’s history – a reenactment of the Tel Hai battle, following the
footsteps of soldiers in the Golan Heights, saluting the liberators of Tzefat, a ceremony for honoring clandestine Jewish immigration ceremony in Atlit, a nighttime sing-along at Lake Kinneret, a reenactment of the Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv, a reenactment of the raising of the historical handmade Ink Flag in Eilat, celebrating
agriculture in the Arava, saluting
Negev pioneership, saluting the residents of Gaza border communities, and many other additional events.
About a month later, at the conclusion of the journey, all the marchers converged in Jerusalem. They were joined by participants in the KKL-JNF World Leadership Conference, who joined the marchers for the last segment of the walk, from Binyanei Haumah to Sacher Park. Arm in arm, KKL-JNF leaders from all over the world walked together with the young Israelis. They waved flags, cried out joyfully, and sang and danced together, demonstrating their total identification with the state of Israel.
KKL-JNF World Chairman
Danny Atar was very moved by the meeting between the young people and the KKL-JNF leaders. “You are the hope of the state of Israel, its future and its spearhead,” he said to the young people. “When we see you, our heart expands with love and pride. You give us all a feeling of certainty that Israel can look forward to a great future.”
Lavi Zamir, the director of KKL-JNF’s scouting clubs, explained that the purpose of the march was to connect the different parts of the populace. “We wanted to celebrate
Israel’s 70th anniversary in a slightly different way, by walking the country’s entire length. Along the way, we met all the various shades of the population and we participated in events related to the country’s history. The participation of the KKL-JNF leaders symbolizes the tight bond between the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora.”
The march concluded with discussion groups between all the different components of Israeli society. Participants debated various topics on the national agenda.