In February, when I drive from my home in a moshav in the Judean hills toward Jerusalem, it’s like I’m on a school field trip. Wherever I turn my head, I see the almond trees blooming in their majesty – in pastel colors of white and pink. And immediately, automatically, I start singing the popular Israeli song:

In the land of my love, the almond blossoms

In the land of my love, people wait for a guest

Seven girls, seven mothers, seven brides at the gate.

In the land of my love, there is a flag on the turret.

To the land of my love a pilgrim will come walking.

At a good and blessed hour,

That makes us forget all sorrow.

This is a distinctly “Land of Israel” song written by one of the greatest Hebrew songwriters, Leah Goldberg. When I was a child in elementary school, we had a singing lesson once a week. It was very important during my childhood to learn the songs of the Land. Through the songs, we were penetrated by the deep connection to the landscape and roots of the Land of Israel. To this day, I know how to sing songs that are almost never heard anymore (maybe only in singing groups). And it is such a shame, and I miss it so much.

Love of the land is one of the most important foundations in bringing up children. The more this love is planted in the hearts of the young and the earlier it happens in life; the more the love for the land, the landscapes, the people, the history, the present and the future will grow and intensify. To the same extent, our connection and love for the Land of Israel will flow through the main arteries of our bodies.

We live in a country where most of the time there is a feeling that it is on the verge of collapse, whether it is because of external wars, or internal conflict. And past experience often leaves us with anxieties that history will repeat itself and the people of Israel will have to give up the Land of Israel and go into exile. And therefore, just as the song suggests, we must accustom ourselves to making a “pilgrimage” to the Land of Israel all the time – to travel its paths, its creeks, its fields, its villages and its cities. Walking and marching along the paths of the beautiful and diverse land, which is full of many unspoiled landscapes from the desert to the green landscapes in the north.

With beautiful seas and beaches in the west, and the Dead Sea that brings healing in the east. And the beloved and unforgettable Sea of ​​Galilee, full of miracles and wonders since time immemorial.

How important it is that we cultivate the connection and love for the homeland. And this usually happens by walking. Walking creates within us a connection that cannot easily fade. Walking on foot, as the song suggests, will help alleviate the heavy sorrow and grief that fill our hearts.

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