JERUSALEM (JTA) — Jewish groups will commemorate the late Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon with special projects, including a hiking route in the Negev.
Keren Kayemeth Leisrael-Jewish National Fund said Tuesday that it will establish the 37-mile scenic route in the desert to honor Sharon, who died last week at 85 after eight years in a coma.
The Arik Sharon Path, as the route will be called, will travel through Nahal Shikma and pass through Sharon’s Sycamore Ranch, known in Hebrew as Havat Shikmim.
“Arik loved the outdoors and green landscapes, and had a very strong connection with the land,” said Eli Aflalo, co-chairman of KKL-JNF and a past member of the Knesset. “I am certain that there is no better way to commemorate his strong connection with our beautiful land than by paving a spectacular, beautiful scenic route in southern Israel, near the place he loved so dearly – the Sycamore Ranch.”
Meanwhile, Chaim Chesler and Sandra Cahn, co-founders of Limmud FSU, announced that the Limmud FSU conference in Belarus this summer will feature a special event in memory of Sharon, whose parents were born in the former Soviet republic.
The event is being planned for Brest, the hometown of Sharon’s father’s. Sharon’s sons, Omri and Gilad, as well as representatives from the Belarus and Israeli governments, are expected to attend.
