May 23: an estimated 6000 people will participate in two 28-kilometer routes–one for every year of the State of Israel’s existence–on Chicago’s north side and southern suburbs during the 5th Annual “Walk With Israel” –a journey of solidarity that they hope will result in a giant step forward for programs of resettlement and human need in Israel, it was announced by the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago.
Since the walk began five years ago, more than 20,000 people of all ages have participated with backing from sponsors who paid an agreed upon amount for each kilometer walked. The first four walks raised a total of $662,000 for the JUF-Israel Emergency Fund. The goal for this year is $338,000–enough to bring the total to $1 million, said Nancy Newman, walk chairman.
While most of the walkers are under 18, there is no age limit, Ms. Newman said. The oldest known walker was a 73-year-old man who participated in 1974. The “Walk With Israel” is the largest city-wide celebration of Israel’s Independence. Sponsored by the Chicago Jewish Youth Council and the South Suburban Jewish Community Center in cooperation with the Young People’s Division of the Jewish United Fund, it is managed entirely by youngsters.
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