They Want $1 Million for Peace: How Cyclists Are Fighting Terror on Two Whe

More than 100 international cyclists have embarked on the annual Israel Ride, marking the event's first staging since the devastating Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. Setting off from Jerusalem, the riders, ranging in age from 27 to 83, are undertaking a rigorous weeklong journey that emphasizes themes of peace and environmental sustainability.

The challenging route will traverse the country, culminating in the southern city of Eilat, all while serving as a major fundraiser for cross-border cooperation initiatives.

A Journey for Peace and a $1 Million Goal

The event, considered Israel’s oldest and most demanding sporting fundraiser, aims to raise $1 million for the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies. The Institute, located in Kibbutz Ketura in the southern Negev, is a unique academic institution where Israeli, Palestinian, and Jordanian students study alongside counterparts from around the world.

The Institute's core mission involves engaging in research on environmental issues, with a strong focus on cross-border cooperation between Israel and its neighbors and the promotion of regional peace. The current ride, organized by the Institute’s graduates, highlights this mission in a period of intense conflict.

The Route: Through the Shadow of War

The cyclists' itinerary is symbolically and politically charged. The route, which began in Jerusalem, will take them through areas directly impacted by the conflict, including: Sderot, Communities near the Gaza border, Sde Boker and the northern Negev.

During their journey, the riders will take time to meet with local residents to hear and discuss their experiences living in the shadow of war over the past two years.

The ride will continue through challenging desert terrain, passing Mitzpe Ramon and the Timna National Park, before reaching a viewpoint that offers a unique panorama of Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. The ride concludes in Eilat, underscoring the regional context of the Institute's work.

Held annually for three decades, this year’s Israel Ride serves as a powerful testament to the enduring hope for dialogue and environmental collaboration despite the prevailing geopolitical tensions.