Can’t get to Israel? Why not walk distance for charity, Jewish group urges

If you were forced to cancel your flights to Israel this summer, why not travel the distance on foot instead?

That’s the 30-day charity challenge set by the Jewish outreach network Olami, which called on members of the community to raise funds for Jewish groups.

Jewish charities, schools, shuls and youth groups can assemble a team on the Walk to Israel web portal, track their progress by linking their devices to the platform and create a fundraising page.

Israeli mentalist Lior Suchard and Charedi marathon runner Beatie Deutsch will launch the initiative on 2 August during a warming up session to get runners in shape.

Deutsch, who is currently training for the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, said the challenge is a chance to “get fit, have fun and raise vital funds for Jewish causes that matter.”

“I can’t wait to see you all at the worldwide warm up and to cheer on every team as you start this amazing journey,” she said.

The warming up session will feature a trivia tournament with a $5,000 prize (£3,993) for the winning team.

Rabbi David Markowitz, Olami chief operating officer, said the initiative “will unite the Jewish community across continents and raise essential funds to ensure the next generation is inspired, educated, and committed to our Jewish future.”

He added: “Wherever you are in the world, get involved and invite your family, friends, colleagues, in fact your cousin’s aunt’s brother, to follow your journey and support you on your way! We are walking together, for our future, to our home”.

Olami is linked with more than 320 member organisations across 30 countries. They include the Jewish Learning Exchange and Aish London.