Almost 3,300 years ago, the Children of Israel stood on the eastern banks of the Jordan River, excitedly preparing to take their very first steps in the Land of Israel. Leading them in their effort to settle and secure the whole Land was Moses’ successor, Joshua. Before taking on his mission, Joshua received brief but most impactful counsel from God—“Be Strong and Courageous!” (Joshua 1:6-7) That advice, reflected right back to Joshua from the tribes of Israel (Joshua 1:18), carried the Children of Israel through countless victories against the Canaanite nations, allowing them to inherit the very Land they were promised over 400 years earlier.
Shortly after the People of Israel liberated the Biblical Heartland once again in 1967, similarly “strong and courageous” pioneers seized the opportunity that finally arrived after centuries of tears and yearning—to restore the region to its former glory! They eagerly faced the challenge of replenishing and reviving the hot, scorching desert of the Jordan Valley where their ancestors, several millennia earlier, took their first breaths in the Land. Starting in 1968, with new communities like Mechola, Gilgal and Argaman, these pioneers did the impossible! They developed a thriving agricultural sector and founded over twenty newly restored communities.
Over the past several years, the Jordan Valley Regional Council has given back to these pioneers, now living in their golden years, by establishing local senior clubs in eight communities. Each of the clubs offer many activities suited for their age group, the most popular of which is an exercise class with professional instructors. After every class, the pioneers leave with a restored sense of confidence in their ability to move around and live independently. The importance of such a class became most apparent over the past year as citizens of all ages were forced to run for shelter every time a siren sounded. In such a scenario, improved mobility can make the difference between life and death or serious bodily injury.
Hoping to build off the successes of its exercise class program, the Jordan Valley Regional Council would like to open a sports club at each of its local senior citizen centers. But they need your help, with your support, you will be rewarding the original pioneers of the Jordan Valley for giving a lifetime of sacrifice and commitment, ensuring that they spend the rest of their lives in dignity and self-respect. Please give back to these dedicated and devoted pioneers!