(Courtesy of Olami) Olami launches the Walk to Israel—a global challenge to inspire Jewish communities to raise vital funds for Jewish organizations around the world.
Walk to Israel is a pedometer fundraising challenge. At a time when we can’t fly to Israel, teams around the world are challenging themselves to collectively travel the distance to Israel, on foot!
To complete the challenge, each walker will need to cover 100 miles on foot. Over 30 days, that’s around 4 miles or 10,000 steps a day. Each team will cover the distance from the Diaspora to Israel.
If 100 miles in 30 days doesn’t feel achievable, there is also an extended option of completing the challenge in up to 60 days.
Why Walk to Israel?
The purpose of the global Walk to Israel challenge is simple—to raise vital funds to support local Jewish organizations around the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted so many Jewish organizations, as well as restricting our ability to exercise together outdoors or at the gym. In response, Walk to Israel will be an opportunity to get fit and unite Jewish communities worldwide, while raising funds for local Olami-affiliated or other Jewish organizations.
Teams from Olami member organizations in 24 countries, and many other Jewish organizations internationally, will be walking together, for our future, to our home.
Any Jewish charity or non-profit, including schools, synagogues and youth groups, can create their team on WalkToIsrael.com and invite people to join as team members.
Each team member will be able to set up a personal fundraising page and ask family and friends to sponsor them on their journey.
The WalkToIsrael.com platform enables individual walkers to track their steps using any smartphone or fitness device. Team members can share their walking and fundraising success with friends and family, using their personal fundraising page.
The challenge launched with an online Worldwide Warm Up on Sunday, August 2, featuring legendary Israeli entertainer and renowned mentalist Lior Suchard and hosted by Beatie Deutsch—the incredible runner and “marathon mom” who is training to represent Israel at the next Olympics, if the organizers make sure the race is not on Shabbat!
As well as being supported by family and friends, the Walk to Israel teams will be cheered on by Jewish organizations and communities around the world.
Commenting on the launch, Rabbi David Markowitz, Olami COO, said, “Olami is proud to host this global challenge. Walk to Israel 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. 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.”
Beatie Deutsch, Israel’s national champion marathon runner, added, “Wherever you are in the world, sign up to the Walk to Israel challenge 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!”
To sign up visit www.walktoisrael.com
