The 26th annual Golani Run is underway. The run began at Mount Hermon, in Israel’s northern tip, and will continue southward until it reaches Eilat on Thursday.

 

The solidres renewed a tradition that had been temporarily discontinued, when a group of about 50 of them visited child patients at Haifa's Rambam Hospital on their way south, and gave them sweets and gifts.

Photo: Pyotr Flitr

 

High school students from throughout Israel and representatives of the various youth movements will join the Golani Brigade soldiers along the way, as will representatives of the local authorities hosting the run, representatives of the Association for Well-being of Israel’s Soldiers and firms that are part of the Adopt a Soldier program.

 

The Golani Run is an inseparable part of the Brigade’s heritage and values. Soldiers will hear descriptions of the brigade’s history, from the battles of 1948 to the present day, on all fronts.

 

The run is intended to encourage youth to enlist for combat service, strengthen the ties between the IDF and communities within the general population, help the soldiers maintain physical fitness and encourage love of the Land of Israel. 

 

The Israel Police are helping by blocking off certain junctions to vehicular traffic for short periods of time to allow the runners through. Care will be taken to disturb traffic flow as little as possible.