Written By: Dr. Shahar Sadeh, Adamah NY Founding Director and Tour Leader
I’m leaving behind despair… I’m taking with me the kaleidoscopic gorgeous array of life, the energetic, dynamic and filled with “chutzpah” people we’ve met. – Ana Levy-Lyons, tour participant
WHAT A WEEK.
Just one week ago, we embarked on Adamah-NY’s first Roots and Resilience environmental journey to Israel.
Landing in Israel on a Friday afternoon was a powerful moment. From the air, I took in the valleys, quarries, cities, and green hills of my homeland—almost like the pilot had arranged a personal aerial tour. It turned out the slower descent wasn’t just for my benefit—it was due to a missile launched from Yemen. It was the first of five we experienced that week. While those moments were certainly felt, they didn’t break our spirit. They did, however, create a big BALAGAN (our first new Hebrew word, which means chaotic situation) in the flight plans of our incredible group participants.
Embracing complexity—and exploring “roots and resilience,” as the journey’s name suggests— was our motto from day one. With the support of UJA Federation of NY’s DAJ (Diversity, Action, and Justice) Committee, we explored our deep-rooted connection to the land, the adamah, the planet, and to Israel—our historical, ancestral, and living homeland.
As environmentalists, climate activists, and nature lovers, we reflected on “roots” in many shades of green. But this journey wasn’t only about exploring our personal roots and resilience (though delayed flights, late-night sirens, and shelter runs at 2am was certainly part of it!). It was also about engaging in climate action, regional environmentalism, and how those intersect with Israel’s complex geopolitical and security realities.
We considered how physical security resilience and climate resilience are deeply intertwined—especially in times of war.
Why would a group of Jewish environmentalists come together to explore all this? What could possibly be Jewish about climate action? And how is talking about mitigation and adaptation in Israel relevant to our work in New York?
Our tour set out to explore exactly these questions—and more. We aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of Israel’s environmental landscape and how it intersects with the country’s internal and external socio-political challenges. We also wanted to highlight Israel’s cutting-edge environmental innovations and draw connections to the challenges we face in New York—especially around rapid development, population growth, and climate adaptation.
Equally important was the goal of connecting peoplehood and planethood—creating a supportive, values-driven network for Jewish professionals working in climate fields. Many of them have experienced isolation in their workplaces, often facing anti-Israel or antisemitic rhetoric. This journey was a space for solidarity, learning, and meaningful connection.
We did SO MUCH! A few highlights are shared below, and you can view the full itinerary here.
One of the most inspiring stops was our visit to the Shapira neighborhood in South Tel Aviv. There, residents have built a thriving community compost program, a productive vegetable garden, and—amazingly—their own sustainable currency: Lira Shapira. The currency is based on composted food scraps: for every kilo of food waste, you receive 1 Lira Shapira (equal to 1 shekel), which can be used to purchase fresh produce and goods within the local community. A beautiful model of circular economy in action!
In East Jerusalem, we toured with Palestinian urban planner Tareq Nasser, who works with Palestinian women involved in the Sinsila project. Together, they’re practicing placemaking—transforming neglected or underutilized spaces into vibrant, life-giving places. Through rooftop gardens, beekeeping, and community engagement, they are fostering both environmental renewal and social mobility in an area that deeply needs both.
We spent a day at the Lower Jordan River and the Dead Sea learning about its alarming ecological decline and the local coalition working tirelessly to save it; We also visited sustainable desert communities in both recognized and unrecognized Bedouin villages, where residents are blending traditional practices with cutting-edge climate technologies—like solar energy, biogas, atmospheric water generation, composting, and off-grid sewage treatment. These innovations are helping them grow crops, raise herds, and advance education in incredibly challenging, off-the-grid conditions.
Throughout the journey, we met incredible entrepreneurs who aren’t just building climate solutions—they’re also pushing for policy change and working to educate the public and decision-makers alike. One highlight was our visit to Jerusalem’s central produce market, where we learned about Metzilot HaMazon (The Food Rescuers). They treated us to a delicious lunch made entirely from rescued food—items that would have otherwise gone to waste. Beyond the amazing flavors, we were inspired by their mission: promoting food security, community engagement, and food system education, all powered by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Following a gut-wrenching and deeply humbling visit to the Nova Festival site, we met with Rabbi Avi Dabush, CEO of Rabbis for Human Rights—a resident of the area and a survivor of the October 7th massacre. Our conversation with Avi, held while overlooking Gaza and reflecting on the immense suffering of the Palestinian population just miles away, helped ground this moment in both political, emotional, and spiritual context. His unwavering commitment to hope, justice, and the pursuit of peace—even in the face of unimaginable darkness—was profoundly moving and inspiring.
Amidst all the powerful learning and reflection, we also had a LOT of fun! Our days were full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. We explored vibrant shuks (outdoor markets), indulged in extraordinary vegan food, went stargazing, walked to the Kotel (Western Wall), and visited the beautiful Gazelle Valley Nature Reserve—a space preserved and protected thanks to a passionate community-led effort.
We spent our final days in Tel Aviv, soaking in its beauty, warmth, and vibrant energy—while continuing to learn. Our focus turned to climate innovation and sustainability at the local government level. We explored how the municipality is working to create a more walkable city, expanding micro-mobility options, and integrating mass transit projects.
We also learned how Tel Aviv is planning for the future—how growth projections for the Gush Dan metropolis are being aligned with climate vulnerability data (including extreme heat, sea level rise, and coastal erosion), prompting ongoing rethinking of sustainable urban development.
These days sparked rich conversations within our group—reflections on the parallels with New York’s own challenges, and exciting ideas about cross-fertilization and future collaboration.
Through powerful conversations with inspiring speakers and exposure to meaningful, innovative work at the municipal, regional, and national levels, we filled our buckets—with hope, knowledge, lived experiences, and many, many beautiful new relationships.
One of the core motivations behind this journey was to support American Jewish environmentalists and climate activists—especially at a time when holding both of those identities can feel isolating. During our meeting with one of Israel’s greatest climate activists, former MK Dov Khenin, now Chair of the Israeli President’s Climate Forum, he offered us a powerful reminder:
Don’t give up on Israel [on your conversation with others, especially progressive Jews]… because when you give up on Israel, you’re giving up on us—the people.
This journey reminded us that hope is a renewable resource—and that by staying connected to each other, to our values, to the land and to all its people, we can continue to lead with strength and purpose.
Dr. Shahar Sadeh, Adamah NY Founding Director and Tour Leader