Why are we doing a Virtual Israel Ride this year?
While we are unable to pursue a ride in Israel this year, our two beneficiary organizations, the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (AIES) and Hazon, depend on our support. Our community of 17 years worth of alumni, plus their supporters, look forward to an Israel Ride experience annually. We are excited to provide an adapted model. The Israel Ride is more than “just a ride,” and we hope to support, engage, and build our community by sharing some meaningful ‘off-the-bike’ experiences of the Israel Ride in a virtual format.

Who are the Israel Ride’s beneficiaries?
The Israel Ride is not only an amazing experience biking through Israel, but is also a unique opportunity to spend time with cyclists from all over the world, and personally connect with individuals and alumni from the Israel Ride’s beneficiary organizations, the Arava Institute and Hazon.

• The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is the premier environmental teaching and research program in the Middle East, preparing future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the region’s environmental challenges. Through its activities, the Arava Institute fosters and supports cross-border environmental cooperation between Israel and its neighbors, building dialogue, cooperation and trust.
• Hazon is the largest faith-based environmental organization in the U.S. and is building a movement that strengthens Jewish life and contributes to a more environmentally sustainable world for all. As the Jewish lab for sustainability, Hazon effects change through immersive experiences and inspires individuals and communities to make specific commitments to change with a particular focus on food systems.

Our two amazing beneficiaries count on the money raised each year from the Israel Ride. The work of these organizations and their values – to pursue environmental justice and peace-building – is more important than ever.

Learn more about the crucial work of Hazon and the Arava Institute.

I was registered to Ride on the 2020 Israel Ride, how is the Virtual Ride connected?
Due to health and safety recommendations, we’ve postponed the in person 2020 Israel Ride to 2021. The Virtual Ride is an alternative experience taking place in the fall of 2020. If you have questions about your 2020 Israel Ride registration fees or fundraising, please contact us at info@israelride.org for more information and to explore your options.

When will future Israel Rides take place?
The 2021 Israel Ride is currently scheduled for October 19-26, 2021. Registration will open in October 2020.
View future Israel Ride dates up until 2023.

Do I need to bike to participate in the Virtual Ride?
No! We encourage you to create your own fitness goals! This is our opportunity to bring part of the experience of the Israel Ride to you. Run, walk, kayak – think about a fitness goal that is right for you! You can track your activity on your own fitness tracker or using an app like Strava (join our Strava club!).

How do I sign up for the virtual ride?
You can either visit the Israel Ride website at Israelride.org and click the ‘register for the Virtual Israel Ride” Button. Or go right to the registration page. On the registration page you’ll be able to select a registration and initial donation category and will be able to donate right on the web page with any major credit card. Please contact us at info@israelride.org if you have any questions.

Who can attend the Virtual Israel Ride?
The Virtual Israel Ride is open to all! The Virtual Israel Ride will provide an opportunity for all participants to personally experience some highlights and key moments of the Israel Ride. Our programs will be a wonderful experience for new riders, future riders, alumni, and friends & family. Help us spread the word by inviting your wide community to join you for this virtual experience. Help us reach 500 Virtual Riders!

I have friends that I’d like to invite to join me for the Virtual Ride. Is there sample text I can use?
Wonderful! The Israel Ride community is our best recruitment partner. Help us reach 500 Virtual Riders! For sample text that you can customize, explore this document: Virtual Israel Ride Sample Invitation Text.  Contact us at info@israelride.org if you have any questions or are looking for something different.

I’m interested in Team JNF. How do I join?
Great! JNF is one of our Ride partners. To learn more about JNF and being part of Team JNF please visit: JNF FAQs

What is the Virtual Ride Committee?
The Virtual Ride Committee is a group of dedicated volunteers from within the Israel Ride community who will work with the staff to help envision the Virtual Ride experience, plan programming and recruit further riders. For more information please visit our website and contact us at info@israelride.org if you’d like to join.

What kind of programming can I expect as part of the Virtual Israel Ride?
The virtual Israel Ride is an engaging series of educational programming, independent riding, and community building activities all designed to bring our community together and support the crucial work of the Arava Institute and Hazon. View Programming

Do I need to bike to participate in the Virtual Ride?
No! We encourage you to create your own fitness goals! This is our opportunity to bring part of the experience of the Israel Ride to you. Run, walk, kayak – think about a fitness goal that is right for you! You can track your activity on your own fitness tracker or using an app like Strava (join our Strava club!).

Part of the magic of the Israel Ride is the community. Will there be opportunities to engage with the community during the Virtual Ride?
Yes. Both leading up to the Virtual Ride and during the Virtual Ride, we will offer opportunities to connect with the Israel Ride community everyone loves. We’ll be able to engage with each other and to participate in other programming which is an essential part of the Israel Ride each year.

I have an idea for an event! What should I do?
Amazing! Email us at info@israelride.org to share your idea. We’re excited to partner with you to create programming and experiences that you’re passionate about.

The Virtual Ride sounds incredible! How can I help?
We’re so glad! We’re looking forward to a wonderful experience. We’d love for you to join our Virtual Committee and help envision the Virtual Ride experience and recruit further riders. Help us reach 500 Virtual Riders! For more information please visit our website and contact us at info@israelride.org if you’d like to join.

I have friends that I’d like to invite to join me for the Virtual Ride. Is there sample text I can use?
Wonderful! The Israel Ride community is our best recruitment partner. Help us reach 500 Virtual Riders! For sample text that you can customize, explore this document: Virtual Israel Ride Sample Invitation Text.  Contact us at info@israelride.org if you have any questions or are looking for something different.

What kind of incentives are available? Will I still get a Jersey?
We’re thrilled to provide many different types of incentives to help motivate your participation in the Virtual Israel Ride. Our incentives include a combination of traditional Israel Ride physical incentives (Jerseys, Shorts, Jackets, Socks, Hats, Buffs) and metaphorical incentives such as sponsoring Ride routes, experiences and traditions. Feel free to explore the registration website to view the options.

Who are the Israel Ride’s beneficiaries?
The Israel Ride is not only an amazing experience biking through Israel, but is also a unique opportunity to spend time with cyclists from all over the world, and personally connect with individuals and alumni from the Israel Ride’s beneficiary organizations, the Arava Institute and Hazon.

• The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies is the premier environmental teaching and research program in the Middle East, preparing future Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively solve the region’s environmental challenges. Through its activities, the Arava Institute fosters and supports cross-border environmental cooperation between Israel and its neighbors, building dialogue, cooperation and trust.
• Hazon is the largest faith-based environmental organization in the U.S. and is building a movement that strengthens Jewish life and contributes to a more environmentally sustainable world for all. As the Jewish lab for sustainability, Hazon effects change through immersive experiences and inspires individuals and communities to make specific commitments to change with a particular focus on food systems.

Our two amazing beneficiaries count on the money raised each year from the Israel Ride. The work of these organizations and their values – to pursue environmental justice and peace-building – is more important than ever.

Learn more about the crucial work of Hazon and the Arava Institute.

Is there sample text I can use to reach out to potential donors or riders?
Thank you for your support! For sample text that you can customize, explore our Virtual Israel Ride Sample Text. Contact us at info@israelride.org if you have any questions or are looking for something different.

Who/what does my fundraising support?
The virtual Israel Ride supports the Israel Ride’s two amazing beneficiary organizations, the Arava Institute and Hazon. Each year, these organizations count on the money raised each year from the Israel Ride. The work of these organizations and their values – to pursue environmental justice and peace-building – is more important than ever. The pandemic has shed a bright light on the need to take care of our environment and to work in cooperation with each other.

Can my fundraising for the Virtual Israel Ride be applied to a future Israel Ride?
The goal of the Virtual Ride is to ensure that the Arava Institute and Hazon can count on revenue they’ve expected to raise on the annual Israel Ride. So, all Virtual Ride fundraising is for 2020, and not for future Israel Rides.

Can I send an offline donation? Donate by check?
Yes! (Learn More)
Checks should be made payable to Friends of the Arava Institute and include Virtual Israel Ride – ‘Riders Name’ in the memo.
Check should be mailed to: Friends of the Arava Institute 1320 Centre Street, Suite 206 Newton Centre, MA 02459

Is there a fundraising minimum to participate in the Virtual Ride?
The registration for an individual virtual rider, which is also a donation, is $54. While there is no additional fundraising minimum, we encourage all virtual riders to fundraise to the best of your ability. All donations raised will support the Arava Institute and Hazon.

Can I support the Virtual Ride and JNF?
Absolutely! Learn more, and consider joining Team JNF!