What does the reef in Eilat have to do with a parade in San Francisco?
YNET
The Northern California Israeli community, of course, that hosted over15,000 people in the annual 'Israel in the Gardens' festival
Eyal Marcus
Published: 06.25.07, 12:35 / Israel Activism
Residents of San Francisco are used to weird scenes but it is possible that their jaws dropped as a procession of children screamed "Hevenu Shalom Aleichem" (We bring you peace) through the city's streets. "Israel in the Gardens" is the annual festival of Northern California Israeli community. The event – held for the 11th year – unites thousands of Israelis and Jews. This year over 15,000 people attended and carried an environmental message.
The celebrations were opened with a children's procession carrying signs calling to save the Red Sea's reefs. What is the connection between San Francisco and the Red Sea? The answer is Zvika Livnat, a producer of environmental marine films: "I came to share with the Jewish schools' children the wonders of the Red Sea," he said. Before the procession he spoke in front of 2,000 students. "The sea is a wonder of nature but it suffers from many ecological and environmental problems caused by lack of awareness."
"In past years we noticed Israel evokes various connotations and many regard 'Israel in the Gardens' as a political or religious event," said the festival's organizer Ronit Jacobs. "We regard it as an Israeli cultural event and since the environment and alternative sources of energy are hot topics, we decided to show that Israelis too care about them."
Livnat was surprised to learn how much the children already knew about the topic. "They are concerned about the Red Sea's situation and demonstrated their concerned in the pictures they drew for the event," he said. "At the same time they were amazed to discover this Israeli natural treasure. For the procession, the older children made an Israeli flag out of recycled plastic bags they collected."
According to Jacobs, the "Green" theme was the focus of the entire festival which included workshops about recycling, a fashion show of garments the children made from newspaper scarps, presentations of environmental organizations and a live show of the popular Israeli singer Rita. "We succeeded in raising awareness of Israel's role in protecting the environment," Jacobs said. "This event presents the best in Israeli; fashion, cinema, theater, and environmental commitment."
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3417115,00.html