Myisrael supporters walk a marathon to support vital causes

After walking 42km, one participant, Lisa, said: “I never imagined walking a marathon, but I was absolutely blown away by the experience. The sense of elation and achievement... is incredible.

“The memories are of the wonderful people I met and the amazing conversations we made along the way. I loved it so much, I’m doing it again.”

Myisrael's Giant Walk (Photo: Myisrael)[Missing Credit]

After weeks of training, the walkers, who ranged in age from 11 to 70, trekked along the Thames, passing Windsor Great Park and taking a break at historic Runnymede.

Participant Melodie Isaacs said after the expedition: ‘Since 7 October – my birthday, and now a date marked by tragedy in Israel – the country has taken an even deeper place in my heart. I feel strongly connected to Myisrael’s mission of supporting small, often overlooked grassroots causes.

“Completing The Giant Walk left me tired and aching, but it also gave me a profound sense of resilience and connection – a reminder of the strength to endure and recover, even in the most difficult of times. Am Yisrael Chai.’

Myisrael's Giant Walk (Photo: Myisrael)[Missing Credit]

As well as supporting trauma therapy, bereavement counselling and other mental health support, the money raised will go towards financial relief for families in crisis and support for homeless people, troubled teenagers, isolated elderly people and Holocaust survivors.

Danni Franks, CEO and founder of Myisrael, said: “This challenge event was a first for us. The dedication and commitment of our Giant Walk fundraisers was truly phenomenal. It was a powerful show of solidarity at a time when Israelis are suffering deeply.

“Two years of war and instability have left millions traumatised, and the impact of these donations will be life-changing – enabling us to deliver vital support to vulnerable children and adults.”

Participants on Myisrael's Giant Walk (Photo: Myisrael)[Missing Credit]

Myisrael was created in 2008 to support under-the-radar charities within Israel. These include Beit Yossi, which provides a safe space for children and families in crisis, EAT (Pesia’s Kitchen), which tackles food insecurity through the use of surplus food from restaurants, caterers and supermarkets and Shoham, which provides education to members of the Ethiopian community.

Myisrael also helps the charities by providing mentoring to ensure that they run as efficiently and effectively as possible.