From a small state of farmers and nation builders to becoming a leader in technology and innovation, the State of Israel has gone through much transition in just six decades. However, this growth and success has come at a cost to the land, the water and the health of the people of Israel.

The Green Zionist Alliance, in partnership with Mercaz/Masorti, asks you to incorporate Israel's environment into your Yom Ha'atzmaut celebrations. The resources below will help you teach about our relationship to Israel's environment today and connect congregants of all ages — through role-playing, simulations and debates — to organizations working to help protect Israel's environmental future.

Background on Israel’s Environment

• Israel's environmental challenges

• Extreme weather brewing

• Trees, Bikes and Nature on Yom Ha’atzmaut

• Responsum regarding air pollution and the enviornment

• Zionism: A back-to-the-land ethic

• Videos about Israel's environment

Educational Activities

• The Unnatural Jew: Connecting to land in America and Israel

Looking to the Future

• Climate Change Impacts on Israel and the Middle East

• Jewish, Israeli and Middle Eastern Environmental Organizations

For more resources on Israel’s environment and Jewish environmental values, check out the Mercaz/Masorti page on Judaism and the environment.