Thousands of men, women and children took part in a solidarity march last month through the towns of Ofakim and Merchavim, in the south, to the Eshkol National Park in the Negev. The marchers were part of a project to raise awareness of the Partnership 2000 project linking Diaspora Jewish communities with Israeli towns and to demonstrate Diaspora solidarity with the Jewish state. Schoolchildren from the Negev, new immigrants, South African students on programs in Israel, soldiers and representatives of Ofakim-Merchavim?s partnered communities of MetroWest and Bergen County, New Jersey, took part in the march.
The marchers were greeted at the Park by then-Minister of Culture, Science and Sport Matan Vilnai, the mayor of Ofakim, Yair Hazan, and the mayor of Merchavim, Avner Mori. The mayors emphasized the importance of the solidarity displayed, but also said that solidarity goes both ways. Ellen Goldner, President of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest, NJ, ?noted that whenever she comes to the region, she feels as if she is returning home,? reported the Jewish Agency?s Global Jewish Agenda. Goldner was also quoted as saying, ?[The march] connects [the residents of Ofakim-Merchavim] to the Negev, gives them a good feeling, and brings a smile to their faces - all of this in spite of the very difficult economic and security situation in Israel at this time.?
The marchers were greeted at the Park by then-Minister of Culture, Science and Sport Matan Vilnai, the mayor of Ofakim, Yair Hazan, and the mayor of Merchavim, Avner Mori. The mayors emphasized the importance of the solidarity displayed, but also said that solidarity goes both ways. Ellen Goldner, President of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest, NJ, ?noted that whenever she comes to the region, she feels as if she is returning home,? reported the Jewish Agency?s Global Jewish Agenda. Goldner was also quoted as saying, ?[The march] connects [the residents of Ofakim-Merchavim] to the Negev, gives them a good feeling, and brings a smile to their faces - all of this in spite of the very difficult economic and security situation in Israel at this time.?