I
remember vividly as a child marching in the Israel parades in suburban
Detroit. I am not sure how far these marches even went - maybe only a
mile. No matter. Marching as a kid with hundreds of Jews from my camps,
and with Jews from every generation is a highlight of my childhood. I
cherish this memory. It stood out as inspirational, amidst a Jewish
communal life that was sorely lacking inspiration. Not until Jewish
summer camp was being Jewish that exciting. When I read about Walk the Land’s
effort to create Israel walks world-wide in solidarity with Israel on
her 60th birthday, it brought back those marches and that great
feeling.

The Afikim Foundation based in NY, in solidarity with Keren Kayemeth
LeIsrael - aka the JNF abroad - has implemented a worldwide effort
called Walk the Land in
celebration of Israel’s 60th Anniversary. They hope to foster a sense
of worldwide unity in support of Israel, and have already more than 100
cities participating.

If you want to participate, check out the list of cities
and then register. If you want to start your own walk in your own
community, contact them as well. Walkers get some neat swag and a
feeling of being part of a worldwide effort. Even Jews in Mumbai are
doing it.

The organizers have prepared a very comprehensive support system to
help communities that want to undertake a walk - whether as part of a
larger city walk or on their own. You can use the march to raise funds
for important causes. They are distributing large banners with imprints
of Israel - and if you hurry they may still have backpacks, water
bottles and t-shirts to compliment your walk.

If you can’t BE in Israel for Yom Haatzmaut, you can Walk the Land instead.

P.s. They are also raffling off ten free trip to Israel!