By Rotem Weizman for The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development
On September 23rd, 2013 The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development (ICSD) collaborated with several organizations in providing programming for the “Connecting on the Way to Jerusalem” project. Three members of the ICSD team led outdoor, experiential activities to hundreds of participants. The project, organized by city councils in Israel and the group “Connecting–Building a Future Together,” aims to relaunch the old tradition of pilgrimage to Jerusalem while bringing together people from all walks of life. About 4,500 Israeli Jews and Arabs participated in the event. At 7:30 a.m. we arrived at the natural spring of Ein Lamur, about twenty minutes outside of Jerualem. We joined staff from several Israeli environmental organizations and the people of Ein Rafa to raise awareness on environmental issues.
These organizations led a variety of activities, such as making recycled decorations for the sukkah (temporary structure or ‘Tabernacle’ that is linked to the Jewish festival of Sukkot), and signing the “Green Travel Declaration”. ICSD staff and interns led outdoor activities with participants in small groups about how different religions relate to environmental issues, specifically about faith perspectives on the importance of rain and water. We lead a unique activity that facilitated participants connecting to their surroundings through their sense of touch. The activity also introduced ways to understand the environment in relation to faith teachings. We are very lucky to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds and to take part with thousands of other people and organizations in projects that support a green sustainable future for Israel and cooperation among the different part of society. We wish to thank our partner organizations in this successful event:: Connecting–Building a Future Together, The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), Jewish National Fund (JNF), The Center for Local Community Councils, Ein Rafa, Green Pilgrimage Network, and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
