Rivka Sonts of Highland Park, a longtime Israel activist, created the group Run for Israel for the annual 5K race in Highland Park, held Sunday May 5. During the run Rivka wore the Israeli flag and got some negative comments but also was encouraged by a Jewish man who asked to hold the flag. He said it made him so happy to see Rivka wearing it, motivating him in his run.

Sonts said that the goal of creating the group and encouraging runners and walkers to wear Israel flags or shirts was to increase unity, bring awareness to fight antisemitism, and openly project Jewish pride without fear.