A few short weeks ago, Telfed was approached by two members of the South African Jewish community in Johannesburg. Alan Nossel and Ilan Herman were planning a virtual cumulative ultramarathon with the lofty goal of completing 9191km – the distance from Johannesburg to Jerusalem – and they were looking for partners in Israel. With decades of experience in helping Olim who have made the journey from Johannesburg to Jerusalem, it was a natural fit for Telfed.
In partnership with Jabra, Soul Sport, West Street Shul, Tikvot and Israel Rugby, Telfed invited members of the South African Olim community to take part in this initiative. Participants who joined the WhatsApp group enjoyed an inspirational journey. Professional athletes (including former Bafana Bafana stars, Mark Fish, Dean Furman and Warren Lewis, athlete Craig Cynkin, and members of Israel’s rugby team), the heroes from Tivkot, South Africans and former South Africans who have chosen to make Israel their home shared their distances, photos, times, route maps, and more. Family members and friends in South Africa and Israel who have not been able to meet in person were united over a common goal.
Team Telfed was represented by members of our Olim community across Israel – from the Galil to the Sharon, Ra’anana to Jerusalem. Participants included veteran triathletes, experienced marathoners and families. We asked our participants to share photos along their routes to give the South African community a taste of what Israel has to offer.
To view a short video prepared during the event, click here.