The Hero’s Path

As part of the Bartali Youth in Motion cycling program, students from WIZO Nahalal Youth Village rode 280 km through Italy in an amazing adventure.

A few days ago, three recent graduates from WIZO Nahalal Youth Village – Anna Kagan, Elisa Skripko, and Tami Glosser – returned from the annual cycling trip of the Bartali – Youth in Motion association. They cycled 280 km from Assisi to Florence over four days, a journey that replicates the efforts of Gino Bartali, Righteous Among the Nations, who smuggled fake documents for Jews inside his bicycle frame during World War II, successfully saving hundreds of them without knowing who they are.

The Nahalal graduates cycled with youth from Nahal Oz and Ramat Hadassah, alongside a group of partners and supporters who have been with them for a long time, determined to focus on what is good, what can be improved, and our ability to overcome and rebuild.

The challenging journey was done amidst beautiful landscapes and accommodations in good hotels, with a refreshing pool at the hotel helping to rejuvenate the riders’ muscles before the next day’s ride.

At the end of the journey, the riders participated in the launch of the Tour de France from Florence.

The graduates shared that going to different places and cycling with people who are at different stages in life broadened their worldview. Bartali Youth in Motion is a program that gives youth the desire and understanding that they can reach wherever they want. Cycling with people who have succeeded and reached a good place gives hope that good things can really happen.

Anna, one of the graduates, said, “People work so hard and contribute so much money just so we can ride at 6:00 in the morning, and this feeling gives us a lot of inspiration.”

Ran Margaliot, CEO of Bartali, said: “They were amazing. Beyond their amazing performance in the rides, they also took an active part in delivering content after the rides and generally acted as ambassadors for the association. They received a lot of praise and appreciation.”

Galia Alef, Director of WIZO Nahalal Youth Village, said: “The path of WIZO Nahalal guides us and obligates us to creating a strong and high quality Israeli society. This will happen thanks to young women like Tami, Elisa, and Anna, and other students at WIZO Nahalal who invest their energy and passion in excelling in sports and academics. We were privileged to walk this path with the Bartali association, with whom we share a mission and vision.”