How Bikes Connect Teenagers

In the heat of the Israeli summer, a group leader encouraged a bunch of 14 to 18-year-olds off the air-conditioned bus. Typical for their age, they were reluctant to cooperate and started asking, "When is this activity over?"

Ten months ago, they were displaced from their homes in Kibbutz Dafna, a beautiful village just 1.3 miles from the Lebanese border. They informed me that they could ride bikes barefoot, just like they did back home. After living together at a hotel by the Sea of Galilee for half a year, they are now scattered across the north in seven different locations. This is hard. In a kibbutz, you grow up together, and at a time when friends and socializing mean everything, they are separated.

Thirty minutes into the ride, some were ready to mob me and Yogav in the support truck. Forty-five minutes later, we reached the top of the hill, eating cold watermelon. From here, riding through a lush forest following a "river," they stopped to dip and do what they are meant to do: talk, talk, talk. The temperature dropped, and now everyone was happy. Hours later, we reached the endpoint, and they wanted more. The summer heat was no longer a problem. Now, they were dreading saying goodbye to their friends again.

I assured them that if they were up for it, we can continue riding across the north. I mean to keep my promise. Together Again is here to strengthen the community through biking, hiking, or any outdoor activity that keeps us off the screens and in the fresh air. With the support of many good people who sponsor these trips, we can keep these connections strong and vibrant.