The cool morning air greeted us as we gathered near the entrance of Kibbutz Negba, a tranquil spot nestled between Kiryat Malachi, Kiryat Gat, and Ashkelon in Israel. Our group of friends, bound by a love for adventure and nature, was gearing up for a cycling journey. As we prepared our bikes, exchanging cheerful greetings and securing our gear, the anticipation of the day ahead filled the air.
Kibbutz Negba derives its name from the Bible, with "Negba" meaning "southward" in Hebrew, a reference to the expansive view described in Genesis 13:14: "The LORD said to Abram, lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward". It was a fitting start to our day of exploration, looking both inward at our group's camaraderie and outward toward the beauty of the land.
Our ride leader Avi, who came to us by ride from his home, set the pace as we pedaled towards Givat Tom and Tomer. These locations hold significant meaning, serving as a botanical garden showcasing the diverse flora of Israel and as a memorial site honoring the 73 soldiers lost in a tragic helicopter accident in 1997. Amidst the vibrant blooms and poignant memorials, we captured moments of unity and reflection, encapsulated in a group photo skillfully taken by our friend Izi.
As the morning progressed and the sun warmed our journey, we meandered through orchards bursting with a bounty of fruits—peaches, nectarines, bananas, citrus, pomegranates—each a testament to the region's agricultural richness. Pausing at a tree nursery adorned with poppies and chrysanthemums, we marveled at nature's artistry and captured memories through shared photographs.
Our route led us to the Ad Halom bridge, a historic landmark that offered a short respite. Surrounded by settlements and fields we continued through the settlements in the area to a field of colorful scarlet crowfoot flowers. we couldn't help but be enchanted by the landscape's allure. We posed with the beautiful flowers and continued between fields and another field of beautiful colored scarlet crowfoot flowers, while light planes circled in the air against the sun.
Amidst our ride, we paused to honor Tamar's memory at an orchard, who was killed in the Dizengoff Center attack in Tel Aviv. a poignant reminder of lives lost but never forgotten. Fueled by the beauty around us and the camaraderie within our group, we made our way back to Kibbutz Negba. Gathering at the memorial site for fallen soldiers, we paid our respects and shared foods. We desserted with Tzipi's delicious cookies and Shahar's fine Finjan coffee.
Our cycling adventure wasn’t just about covering distances; it was a journey of discovery, remembrance, and friendship. Each pedal stroke brought us closer—to the land, to history, and to each other. As we bid farewell to the day, the memories we created together remained etched in our hearts, a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and unity that defines our adventures at Kibbutz Negba.
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