This week the Nature and Parks Authority holds “Volunteer Week,” which takes place from December 22nd until 29th.
The event aims to raise awareness of volunteering for the preservation of nature and heritage in Israel, honoring the work done by volunteers throughout the year.
Volunteering activities range from beach cleaning, park maintenance and tours to archeological sites.
On Friday (December 28th) between 10 am and 12 pm, the Nature and Parks Authority invites the public to join a fascinating tour at Shmuel HaNavi National Park. The tour will take visitors to the spectacular spot overlooking Jerusalem and surrounding areas,  the ancient quarry and the spring of Hannah.
Also on Friday between 10 am and 12 pm, a guided tour is planned to Mount Gerizim next to Nablus, one of the sites described in Genesis. The tour will include a short movie screening, explanation about the world of the Samaritans who live nearby, a visit to buildings from the Hellenist period and remains of the Samaritan temple, and attempts to identify Joseph’s grave.
Moving north to Hof haCarmel near Haifa, on Friday between 10 am and 1 pm, volunteers will meet at Dor Habonim Beach Nature Reserve for a beach clean-up. In the winter, more than in other seasons, beaches are filled with garbage that arrives from the sea. Not only does it harms animals, it’s hazard to all of us.
On Saturday (December 29th) between 10 am and 1 pm, volunteers will gather to uproot invasive species to make room for other species, also at Dor Habonim Beach Nature Reserve.
All activities are free of charge and run by volunteers from Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority.
Both activities at Dor Habonim Beach require registration in advance by phone at *3639
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