Israeli Cyclists Biking with New Jersey Jews | The Jewish AgencyCyclists from Israel Biking with New Jersey Jews

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10 Sep Cyclists from Israel Biking with New Jersey Jews

Posted at 14:03h in Stories by

Cyclists from Israel Biking with New Jersey Jews
On September 22 in Morristown, New Jersey, individuals, families, and teams will don helmets and prepare to set off on bicycles for The Jewish Federation’s Tour de Summer Camps NJ.

Among the New Jersey residents participating, a special team of riders from Israel will also be on bikes for the second year as part of the Cycling2Gether program. The Cycling2Gether program sends 12 cyclists from Israel to participate in the Tour de Summer Camps NJ ride, where riders choose from three routes through Morris County of either 18, 36 or 62 miles.
The Israelis training at home to participate in the Tour de Summer Camps NJ

One Israeli participating, Tiran, 51, is a seasoned biker. He's a certified cycling instructor for children and a cycling guide for trips. He felt that Cycling2Gether’s purpose was important and an interesting way to bond Israelis and world Jewry.

“I’m very interested in getting acquainted with our American brothers and sisters and their lifestyle, and strengthening the connection between our communities,” said Tiran.

These Israeli riders, who are from the Greater MetroWest (GMW) partnership community of Ofakim Merchavim Arad and Kibbutz Erez, will be stateside for a week and are being put up home hospitality-style with families from the GMW community.

Co-sponsored by The Jewish Agency for Israel, Partnership2Gether, and Cycling2Gether, the Tour de Summer Camps NJ raises funds for One Happy Camper grants and need-based scholarships for children to attend Jewish summer camps. Studies have shown that summers spent at Jewish camp empower Jewish young people to become spirited and engaged Jewish adults, thereby laying the groundwork for strong, vibrant Jewish communities for future generations.

The Cycling2Gether program brings together a variety of people exposing them to U.S. Jewry making social connections based on respect, acceptance, and sharing.

The global Jewish family is stronger together—the Jewish Agency for Israel's Partnership2Gether program makes this vision a tangible reality. By connecting Israeli cities with Jewish communities worldwide, it creates an ever-growing network of support, friendship, as well as a way of understanding the rich variety of religious expression around the world.
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Queena, a married mother of three from Moshav Ranan, located in the Merchavim Regional Council in Israel, got involved in cycling just a year and a half ago. A friend formed a group of women cyclists and though she had no biking background, she decided to join. Most of the eight women who joined the small group had not biked since childhood but soon gained experience and confidence on two-wheel adventures.

“I remember in my first ride, I felt like a 16-year-old and the smile didn't come off my face. I fell in love with riding and people,” said Queena. That newfound passion for biking led her to be part of Cycling2Gether.

“The Cycling2Gether program brings together a variety of people exposing them to U.S. Jewry making social connections based on respect, acceptance, and sharing. It allows us Israelis to pass on the message of American Jews and knowledge of Jewish life in America,” Queena shared. “I think it's important to show that Israelis care about Americans and that we do want to maintain good relationships and create a living bridge.”

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