IDF kicks off independence celebrations
Army launches series of special events marking Israel's 60th anniversary. First up: Biggest military cross-country cycling trip ever
The Israel Defense Forces will kick off its salute to Israel's 60th year by launching the largest cycling trip the country has ever seen, Yedioth Ahronoth reported over the weekend.
The four-day trip, which will take place during the mid-holidays of Passover, will be the first in a series of military events meant to celebrate the Jewish state's 60th Independence Day.
Seven of the IDF's major-general have already announced they would be taking part in the trip: Director of Military Intelligence Major General Amos Yadlin, heads of the IDF's Northern, Central and Southern Commands Majors-General Gadi Eisenkot, Gadi Shamni and Yoav Galant (respectively); Chief of Military Personnel Major General Elazar Stern, Head of the Teleprocessing Branch Major General Ami Shafran and Major General Tal Russo, head of the IDF's Operations Directorate.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Gabi Ashkenazi is said to join his generals in one of the trip's last legs. "This is going to be a huge cycling event and we want as many cyclists to join us," added Regev.
If all goes according to plan, each of Passover mornings will see 600 of the military's soldiers and officers take off on their bikes, riding side by side with as many civilians who choose to join them.
The cyclists will be stopping in major Israeli heritage sites where Education and Youth Corps guides will be giving them presentations on each site.
