Local residents take cycling tour of Israel
Four Chicago-area supporters of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, along with 33 other supporters from across the U.S., concluded a six-day bicycle ride through Israel last month.
Joining the American FIDF supporters for this cross-country ride, which began in northern Israel on Sept. 18, was a group of wounded Israeli combat veterans who have benefited from FIDF rehabilitative programs and prosthetic devices.
The ride allowed participants to show solidarity with the men and women of the IDF and experience Israel in a whole new way.
The cyclists from the Chicago area included Leslie Finkel of Chicago, Jonathan Hattenbach of Skokie, Joel Press of River Forest and Dean Weinberg of Highland Park. Joining them were FIDF Midwest Executive Director Tamir Oppenheim of Highland Park and FIDF Midwest Senior Director of Programs and Operations Michelle Cohen of Chicago.
“The FIDF Cycling Tour was an amazing opportunity to connect with the land of Israel and the IDF soldiers who defend it,” Hattenbach said.
“Cycling gave us an up-close perspective of Israel's beauty but, as we looked down from Mt. Hermon into nearby war-torn Syria, we also saw the challenges IDF soldiers face.
“We were inspired by visiting IDF bases and meeting the young men and women who bravely protect our homeland on behalf of Jews around the world.”
The 37 cyclists from across the U.S. covered more than 400 miles and a total vertical climb of about 32,000 feet. Cyclists began near the Sea of Galilee and rode along the Jordanian border, then climbed the Golan Heights toward Mt. Hermon, Israel's tallest peak, before descending to the lowest point on Earth, the Dead Sea, and riding through the Ramon Crater in the Negev Desert.
The tour ended at Tel Aviv's Mediterranean beach. Along the way, the group visited Israeli military bases, national landmarks and ancient historic sites.
For information about Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, visit www.fidf.org.