Carmel Native Cycles Across Israel With Wounded IDF Veterans

CARMEL, IN – Carmel resident and local supporter of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF), Dan Fox (pictured), was part of a group who completed a six-day bicycle ride through Isreal last month, FIDF reports. Fox and the group of more than 30 other supporters were joined by Israeli pro cyclist Roy Goldstein, and a group of wounded Israeli combat veterans who FIDF says have benefited from the organization's rehabilitative programs and prosthetic devices.

FIDF said the cross-country ride began Oct. 20 at the Red Sea in Israel's southernmost city, Eilat, before the cyclists headed north, riding through the Ramon Crater in the Negev Desert, continuing to Ashkelon, and finally finishing in Jerusalem.

The ride covered more than 350 miles, including a total vertical climb of more than 22,000 feet, FIDF says, adding this ride allowed the participants, all of whom are avid riders, to support the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while experiencing Israel from their bikes.

“The FIDF Bike Ride Israel was an amazing opportunity to connect with the land of Israel and the IDF soldiers who defend it," Fox said in a release. "Cycling gave us an up-close perspective of Israel’s beauty. We were inspired by the wounded veterans who rode alongside us, and by visiting IDF bases and meeting the brave young men and women who stand guard over our homeland on behalf of Jews worldwide.”

FIDF said the group visited national landmarks, ancient historic sites and Israeli military bases, where participants met active-duty soldiers serving on these bases, those who serve in the IDF with no immediate family in Israel, and combat veterans who benefit from the FIDF IMPACT! Scholarship Program.

Photo credit: Gilad Kavalerchik