Israelis flooded country's parks and forests on the first day of Rosh Hashana, some for hiking and cycling, others for feasting.
Israel's National Fund reported massive turnout already in the early morning, as hundreds of cyclists roamed tracks in forests and open terrain, to be later joined by thousands of picnickers.
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Families have arrived in Ramat Gan's national park in the morning, spreading sheets laden with food near the lake.
- (Photos: Moti Kimchi)
- The Tayeb family came from the Tikva neighborhood in Tel Aviv :"We celebrated Rosh Hashana at home with the whole family, it was fantastic. We're going to do some barbecue and also fish. We're strong enough to eat again after yesterday."
The Harazi and Garayev families from Petah Tikva also pitched camp in the park, and did not give up on barbecuing, as well. "We'll be here until the afternoon, we'll hike, and there's also activities for kids."
Picnickers in the south (Photos: Roi Idan)
Efi and Gertel and their family from Kiryat Ono decided to go vegan on Thursday: "We celebrated with the parents, got up in the morning and came here to picnic. There're some salads from yesterday, a small dairy meal. We don't overdo it."
And what do they wish for the new year? "We wish Israelis world peace, and if not, at least domestic peace."
Some came to the park not to eat animals, but to gaze at them. Zohar and Inbal Zeevi and their three-year-old said while walking through the park: "Our kid loves ducks and chickens, so we came to hike, enjoy and see them. We wish Israelis peace and a better year."