If you don’t know about the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) in Israel, it’s time to increase your green I.Q. Located on Kibbutz Ketura in the Arava Valley near the Jordanian and Egyptian borders, AIES is an environmental leader encouraging cooperation between Israelis and their neighbors to create peaceful and sustainable development both within Israel and globally.
Every year AIES sponsors a 300-mile bike ride, “Cycling in Solidarity for Peace, Partnership and Environmental Protection” from Jerusalem to Eilat to raise money for the organization’s efforts. (Imagine the views!) Last year green riders included Americans, Australians, Jewish and Arab Israelis and Jordanians, who united for a common cause and raised $875,000 for education and advocacy.
This year, Los Angeles has reason to be proud: Angelino Michael Rosen is prepping his hamstrings and calves for the five-day ride and has raised nearly $9,000 to date.
Funds from the bike ride support environmental agencies worldwide, including Hazon, a non-profit that works with local volunteers to build their own community supported agricultural projects. The Los Angeles CSA will run out of Sinai Temple offering local and organic produce.
When I know more details, so will you!
To learn more about the 2008 Arava Institute Hazon Bike Ride in Israel, come to a parlor meeting tonight (Feb. 14) with Nigel Savage, executive director of Hazon at Michael Rosen’s home. 1155 Alvira Street, Los Angeles. (212) 644-2332.
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