Help me support Israel!

On May 9th, I'll be starting a 300 mile bike ride from Jerusalem to Eilat.

Send Mr. B to Israel,

Dear Friends,

I am very proud to announce that On May 9th, I'll be
starting a 300 mile bike ride from Jerusalem to Eilat.
Although not an experienced biker, I'm looking forward
to the challenge. I'm also thrilled to have the opportunity
to show solidarity with Israel and to raise money for two wonderful
organizations, both doing great work on tiny budgets, the Arava
Institute for Environmental Studies and Hazon.

Now, for your help. As a participant in the 5th Annual Arava Institute
Hazon Bike Ride in Israel, I hope to raise $7000 between now and April
15th. The funds raised will go to the two organizations previously mentioned and described below. Your support will enable me to embark on this unique biking opportunity while contributing to excellent causes.

The Ride's primary beneficiary is the Arava Institute for Environmental
Studies. Founded in 1996, the Institute brings undergraduate and
Graduate students from the Middle East, North America and around the world to live and study together. At this challenging and critical time in Israel's history, the Institute combines the work of preserving the Middle East's and the world's environment with cross-cultural education, aimed at serving as a bridge to peace. The Institute is actively lobbying for major revisions in Israel's Water Law, and has been leading the fight to preserve the Arava desert -- perhaps Israel's last wilderness area. Israel is so beautiful-it's exciting for me to be able to do something to help preserve this amazing land.

A smaller proportion of the monies goes to Hazon (Hebrew for
"vision")-a New York-based non-profit that's doing some of the most cutting-edge work in the Jewish world, using outdoor and environmental programs to connect people across ages and denominations reframing what it means to be Jewish in powerful and sometimes life-changing ways.

With your generosity, and my pedaling, we can support two most worthy
institutions. Information about the Arava Institute and pledge forms are available on the Arava website. You may donate by credit card at www.israelride.org (please click on 'riders', and then click on '2006 riders' on the left margin. I am listed in alphabetical order by my first name, Stephen), or send me a check made out to Arava Institute Hazon Israel Ride:

Stephen Blatteis

19 Belford Way

San Mateo, California

94402

Please consider making a generous (and tax-deductible) contribution.
Thank you in advance for your help which is appreciated and valued
greatly.

Stephen Blatteis, aka Mr. B.




Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Arava Institute Hazon Israel Bike Ride

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Stephen Blatteis