JNF Announces First-Ever Bike Ride Mission to Israel

Contact: Sharon Davidovich • JNF Israel Emissary • 617-423-0999 • sdavidovich@jnf.org

June 25, 2008 -- New York, NY -- From September 21-27, 2008, a group of travelers will take in the beautiful sights of northern Israel and the Golan Heights with the wind in their hair on Jewish National Fund’s first annual Bike Ride Mission to Israel.

Participants will traverse over 200 miles of breathtaking terrain during four days of fully supported riding (all ability levels are welcome) and will be rewarded with exclusive accommodations at the 5-star Mitzpe Hayamim Hotel and Spa and The Carmel Forest Spa Resort.

They will meet residents of northern Israel and the Golan Heights, including soldiers and youth, visit communities, and learn about Israel’s history from pre-statehood to the present.  They will also have the opportunity to hear from high ranking officials, politicians and IDF officers.

Participants will stop at important JNF sites, including security bypass roads, forests, and nature reserves.  Riding along Israel’s major water sources, they will learn about the water crisis in Israel and neighboring countries and JNF’s work in expanding Israel’s water resources. They will also enjoy activities like rafting along the Jordan River and tastings at wineries and breweries in Israel’s up-and-coming wine country.  The week will conclude with a Shabbat ceremony at Mitzpe Hayamim Spa.

“This will be a once-in-a-lifetime, challenging, safe, and fun-filled cycling experience that incorporates unique encounters with the people of Israel,” said mission chair Ronald Lubin, an avid bike rider from Boston. “It will give us the opportunity to wish the residents of the north and the Golan Heights, the IDF soldiers and the youth, a happy New Year, a year of safety and security.”

With over 100 years of experience as caretaker of the land of Israel, no one knows Israel better than JNF. JNF missions go above and beyond the classic tourist experience, offering a firsthand look at JNF’s critical work and providing access to sites not found on most Israel itineraries. To register, visit www.jnf.org/bikeisrael. For more information, contact Ron Lubin at rlubin@crystalcapital.com.

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JEWISH NATIONAL FUND (JNF) began in 1901 as a dream and vision to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere. Jews the world over collected coins in iconic JNF Blue Boxes, purchasing land and planting trees until ultimately, their dream of a Jewish homeland was a reality. JNF gives all generations of Jews a unique voice in building a prosperous future for the land of Israel and its people.

JNF embodies both heart and action; our work is varied in scope but singular in benefit. We strive to bring an enhanced quality of life to all of Israel’s residents, and translate these advancements to the world beyond. JNF is greening the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel’s water supply, helping develop innovative arid-agriculture techniques, and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel and Zionism.

JNF is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and United Nations NGO, which continuously earns top ratings from charity overseers.

For more information on JNF, call 888-JNF-0099 or visit www.jnf.org.