Walkathon 2010-among the last tourist groups to visit the Carmel Mountain range before the fire

Carmel

Below is the report on the Walkathon that we wrote at its conclusion - together with these two clips that were originally shown on IBA -TV News in English from Israel, you can get a taste of why the Walkathon took place - and maybe catch a glimpse of your friends!
 
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbzpUJwyxa0

 
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8F-nCalh90

Unfortunately, only a few days after the Walkers returned to their homes, the very route they had taken on their first day in the Carmel, from behind Haifa University down through "Little Switzerland" to Kibbutz Oren, and later to their base at Nir Etzion - the entire route was later consumed by blazing fires, beginning the first day of Chanukah and lasting for days later.   David Schoenfeld sent the following:
 
"Gods' Vineyard - Mt Carmel - was destroyed today.
We are among the last who may have enjoyed the trails of Mt Carmel.
The first day of the walkathon all groups started at the Top of Mt Carmel, in the park near Haifa University. Each group made it's way down the majestic mountain, thru "little Switzerland , near Bet Oren and down to the Carmel forest area.
This area is no more.
In light of today's tragedy, we are asking our friends and sponsors to contribute a bit more.  We at Melabev have plans to help those from the destroyed area. With your help, we hope be able to continue walking in the Carmel.
And when you light Chanukah candles, remember the  Carmel Mountain."

The whole Melabev Family mourns with the families whose loved ones perished in the flames and pray for a full and speedy recovery for the injured.
We have already opened up our telephone reassurance hotline , 109, to be available to elders from the North who need to talk. Now is a great time to join the volunteers on this hotline.

We are formulating specific plans to implement David's "plantathon" idea.  In consultation with the leadership on the ground in the general area of our Walkathon that was heavily damaged -our horticulture therapists will start the the planting process in our day care centers, preparing the seedlings that our elders love doing - which our Walkers and volunteers will then take up North to create a Melabev garden.
We welcome the public's contributions to assist in this healing project.   To learn what this area was like just a short time ago:
The 2010 "Don't Forget Us" Walkathon for Alzheimer's Care took the Walkers through the sunny hills of the north western part of Israel and concluded with a Thanksgiving feast, in the open, prepared on a grill.  On the way, facing some challenging landscape, the Walkers paused at key moments:  for a view of storks flying overhead in graceful formations during their annual migrations; for a lesson in Biblical history; for a view of archaeological sites; for a close-up study - and whiff - of the herbs that grow along the path - and for photo ops.  Old friendships from previous annual Melabev Walkathons were renewed, new friendships were formed, singing, joking, serious discussions on the elders in Melabev's as we walked, a healthy physical work-out, and great food - this year's Walkathon in the Carmel as arranged by Keshet Tours had it all - for the enjoyment of youngsters and seniors alike, from 12 year olds through octogenrian.  "The best one ever!" and "See you next year!" were two of the shouts most frequently heard at the end of the two-day experience. 

If you still haven't had a chance to sponsor a walker and want a 2010 receipt, please get your donations to us before Dec. 15th. 
 
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