From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Pedaling for peace: Cyclists from around the world join first Israel Ride since Oct. 7
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSue Surkes is The Times of Israel's environment reporter
More than 100 cyclists from all over the world start the Israel Ride for the first time since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.
Aged from 27 to 83, the riders set off from Jerusalem on a weeklong journey for peace and the environment, which will end in Eilat, on Israel’s southernmost tip.
They hope to raise $1 million for the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, located in Kibbutz Ketura in the south.
The ride is being organized by the institute’s graduates.
It has been held annually for three decades and is considered the oldest and most challenging sporting fundraising event in Israel.
En route to Eilat, the riders will pass through Beit Guvrin, Sderot, communities near Gaza, Sde Boker and the northern Negev, Mitzpe Ramon, and the Timna National Park. After reaching a viewpoint from which they will see Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, they will finish in Eilat.
During the journey, the cyclers will meet with residents for discussions about the past two years under the shadow of war.
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, operating since 1996 in Kibbutz Ketura, is an academic institution where Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian students study alongside students from around the world.
The institute engages in academic programs and research on various environmental issues, with special emphasis on cross-border cooperation between Israel and its neighbors and the promotion of peace.
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