RUNNING FOR THEM >>>>>
THE HEART OF ISRAEL, ONE STEP AT A TIME
In April 2024, three ultra-marathon runners - from Israel, Australia, and the United States - met in the Sahara Desert, just before the Iranian missile attack on Israel. In that moment, far from their families and homeland, they experienced for the first time what it felt like to be away while the entire nation of Israel faced uncertainty, fear, and loss.
FROM THAT EXPERIENCE,
A MISSION WAS BORN:
To run the length of Israel -
from Mount Hermon to Eilat -
to connect the land, the people, and the heart of the nation.
The Journey
The Israel National Trail is more than a hiking route. It is a living story - stretching across 1,000 kilometers and 56 breathtaking segments of mountains, deserts, rivers, springs, villages, forests, and cities. It tells the story of resilience, history, and belonging with every footstep.
From September 19 to October 14, 2025, a team of determined runners will complete this extraordinary journey in just 26 days, running close to 50 kilometers per day. They'll cross the country step by step - transforming every blister, breath, and sunrise into a tribute to Israel and those who protect it.
Why We Run: For Lone Soldiers
We run for the Lone Soldiers - young men and women who serve in the IDF without the safety net of family. Some are new immigrants. Others are native Israelis who grew up without support, including those who left ultra-Orthodox communities or faced extreme hardship. What unites them is courage, purpose, and heart.
These soldiers give everything. We owe them more than our thanks - we owe them healing, belonging, and hope.
That's why we've partnered with the Lone Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin, a nonprofit that supports over 3,500 active-duty lone soldiers and more than 7,000 discharged soldiers - both olim and native Israelis who lack family support. The Center provides critical services before enlistment, throughout active service, and for up to five years after discharge.
Since October 7, the demand has surged - a 40% increase - due to a rise in aliyah, enlistment from the Haredi sector, and expanded IDF integration for youth at risk. And while many lone soldiers don't feel comfortable turning to public or government services due to stigma or bureaucracy, the Center offers them a safe, trusted home.
Mental Health is Mission - Critical
The initiative aims to raise funds to provide professional mental health treatment for every lone soldier who has experienced trauma since October 7th and is in need of support. Through partnerships with the National Center for Trauma and Resilience at Sheba Medical Center and other private institutions, each donation will fund a minimum of 12 individual therapy sessions with licensed professionals.
In addition, supporters can take part in our "Life Scholarship" initiative - a program that offers financial aid to lone soldier veterans pursuing higher education. Each scholarship bears the name of a fallen soldier or loved one, honoring their memory not only through mourning but through meaningful action and giving
Each scholarship tells a story of remembrance and hope - continuing the legacy of those we have lost while offering lone soldiers a real opportunity to grow. It is a way to transform memory into a living force that shapes reality and changes lives.
Because trauma doesn't end with military service - and the soul can't afford to wait.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
This is more than a run. It's a national and personal statement:
No soldier is alone. No step is taken without purpose.
You can support the mission by:
- Donating to fund therapy sessions for lone soldiers. Each session costs $140 USD.
- Donating to life scholarships in honor of a fallen loved one.
- Spreading the word - share this project across your networks.
- Running with us - join us for a segment, either in Israel or from wherever you are.
- Dedicating a run - in honor of a soldier, loved one, or meaningful cause.
Runners will wear names on their shirts, love in their hearts, and a fire in their soles.
Every kilometer will be a message:
You are not forgotten.
You are not alone.
We are with you.
Let's turn this journey into a movement.
Because when we run for them - we all move forward.
