On Oct. 29th, Ofakim and Merchavim awoke to the site of thousands of its residents and guests, wearing Partnership 2000 t-shirts and holding signs, beginning their 13 kilometer "Partnership 2000 Negev March" towards Park Eshkol. This year's main slogan was one of protest against the never-ending car accident-related deaths in Israel.

Thousands of school children from the entire region, together with youngsters from absorption centers, groups of olim, South African students spending the year in Israel, soldiers from IDF regional units, and representatives from the American partnered communties in New Jersey – MetroWest and Bergen County – all gathered at the entrance to Ofakim to begin the long treck.

And off they happily went, with all their friends, feeling as if nothing else mattered, but to enjoy the beautiful and cheery day. Ellen Goldner, UJC of MetroWest president, marched with the group and on route the children of Ofakim and Merchavim tried their English on her.

Tired but content, the participants came to the finale at the Eshkol National Park, greeted by the new Partnership 2000 song that was written and recorded especially for the event. MK Matan Vilnai, Minister of Culture, Science and Sport, joined Yair Hazan, the Mayor of Ofakim, Avner Mori, the Mayor of Merchavim Regional Council, and Goldner, along with many other community representativess.

Both mayors spoke about the importance of unity of the Jewish people, the solidarity that goes both ways and the fact that MetroWest  and Bergen County developed a strong living bridge with Israel and the Southern Region. Goldner spoke about how she always feels that when coming to the region; its as if she were returning home and that the strong bond of Partnership 2000 will go on forever.

According to Goldner, "the aim of the march is to make the residents of Ofakim-Merchavim aware of the Partnership 2000 concept and the different projects and activities related to it that strengthen the ties between the communities."

Printed with permission of the UJC MetroWest Israel Office.