The Torch
Our team, consisting of riders from seven different countries, was blessed to join our Jewish Brothers, Maximillian and Nathan, as Jewish and Christian bikers traveled on the Ride For Solidarity, to stand with Israel. This trip will cover twelve countries and almost 4,000 miles, all for the sole purpose of supporting Israel.
On June 11, 2017, Ride For Solidarity was given the honor of carrying the “Torch” for the opening ceremony of the Maccabi Fun Run 2017. This run raises
L-R – Mayor of London; Maximillian of Romania and Gary of USA, co-organizers of R4S
funds for humanitarian needs in Great Britain and is a time to celebrate the team leaving Great Britain for the Maccabi Games in Jerusalem. This event, which is the third world’s largest athletic games, takes place every four years.
The riders were honored as they drove one and a half times around the track carrying the “Torch” that will be taken to Jerusalem for the kickoff of the 2017 Maccabi Games. For ten days, there will be approximately 10,000 athletes from over 70 countries competing for the ‘gold’ in Jerusalem.
Our team (pictured to the right) included riders from Romania, Israel and USA. L-R Alan Atkins (USA); Carolyn Burd (USA); Rodney McCray (USA); Maximillian (Romania); Jewish Athlete; Boyce McKinney (USA); Gary Burd (USA); Nathan (Israel) and Tracy Atkins (USA).
The riders leave from London on June 13th, to cross Europe. They will be stopping in Lavrio, Greece to place their bikes on a ferry. From there, the riders will remain in Greece for three days, then fly to Tel Aviv to pick up their bikes where they will promote the Maccabi Games in Israel for seven days. On July 6, the team will be given the opportunity to carry the torch from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; they will participate in the opening service.
By Gary Burd
