Partnership 2000 Tiyul in the Central Galilee Shimshit Hills

It was during the week of Sukkot that the Members' Committee of the P2K Volunteers Forum organized a community outing for P2K volunteers, program participants, new immigrants and community activists. It was part of its effort to maintain and strengthen a sense of belonging, renew old friendships, establish new ones and provide a warm feeling of togetherness.

A special "task force", conducted by Maoz Bar-On, chairman of the YL4 and a professional producer, planned and implemented this wonderful event .

The day's objectives were to create a gathering of P2K people in the unique and attractive Central Galilee region, exposing them to the historic, geographic and Zionist background of the region while granting them an exciting experience in a nature environment. It also intended to enable the region's residents to participate in a day trip adapted for all ages and to promote P2K Central Galilee activities.

The hike offered two alternative routes: a mountain bike route for young people and the "young at heart" where they could participate in challenge sports at various stations along the route; the other was a family hiking route where participants could walk and enjoy a variety of musicians, arts & crafts, story-telling, geography and history lessons and of course a campfire area where they could prepare pita bread and herbal tea over an open fire.

Enjoying Pita on the P2K hike in the Central Galilee

An exhibit describing the activities of Partnership 2000 in the area was set up at the starting point. At the end the participants received various gifts (Commemorative T-shirts, P2K calendars, holiday booklets and more).

We worried about the unstable weather conditions but we were awarded with a lovely warm, sunny day. Another concern was the number of participants. Again, instead of the 450 participants we expected, a thousand showed up. It was a fascinating mosaic of different age groups, veteran residents and new immigrants, experienced volunteers along side recent additions to the circle, project participants, volunteer activists and their families. We were amazed at the outpouring of strength, kinship and pride as well as the joy and excitement that prevailed at the starting point.

We wish to thank the Jezreel valley and the P2K staff and all the volunteers who made it such a success. Thank you and bless you all.

Nisan 5764 - March 2004