Kushner Yeshiva graduate Rachel Koenigson will run March 27 in the Team Connections: Running for Sderot Half-Marathon in Jerusalem to benefit terrorism victims.
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Show SupportMarch 13, 2008
Rachel Koenigson, a graduate of Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School in Livingston, believes not enough is being done to help the residents of Sderot, who have been living under almost constant missile attack from Gaza for years.
The 22-year-old, who made aliya four years ago, plans to put her athletic skills to good use March 27 in the Team Connections: Running for Sderot Half-Marathon (13 miles) in Jerusalem.
The run will raise money for those who have been hit hard economically by the attacks, which have caused a loss in business and cut into tourist trade.
“I don’t feel Israel is doing enough to support the people of Sderot,” said Koenigson in an e-mail interview. “They are on the front line, living daily under attack. I felt an obligation to bring awareness to Israel and American Jewry of their daily tribulations. The people of Sderot are heroes every day. Their suffering should be our suffering.”
Team Connections is the endurance sports training and fund-raising program of Connections Israel, a Jerusalem-based nonprofit that raises money for terrorism victims.
United face
Koenigson said she believes the people of Sderot feel “a sense of frustration and neglect” with their own government.
“They know the stepped-up attacks are a direct outcome of the disengagement in 2005,” wrote Koenigson, a former Edison resident. “Now with rockets targeting Ashkelon as well, something must be done and soon. The Israeli people are turning to the army to find a solution to these attacks.”
Koenigson, a practicing hydrotherapist studying to be a personal trainer, said she has been preparing for the marathon by running home three times a week from work through the scenic Jerusalem Forest.
“Yesterday’s run was especially beautiful as the sun was setting on the hills outside Jerusalem, and I was running alone through the peaceful route of the forest,” she wrote on March 6. “Days like that are some of the motivation that keeps me going. Being able to run and train in the holy and beautiful city of Jerusalem is also a huge motivation.”
Koenigson has also been doing weight training and sprint work at the YM-YWHA of Jerusalem and participating in a weekly flag football game.
The Team Connections: Running for Sderot Half-Marathon.
The daughter of Rosanne and Arnie Koenigson, members of Congregation Ohr Torah in Edison, she attended Rabbi Pesach Raymon Yeshiva in Edison.
“We’re very proud of her,” said her mother. “She’s an amazing young woman.”
Koenigson has always been athletic. Several months ago she rode in the Wheels of Love charity bike ride to benefit Alyn Pediatric Hospital and Rehabilitation Center for Physically Handicapped Children in Jerusalem. That route took her from Jerusalem to Eilat through hills, desert, and rough terrain.
She has attended the Wingate Institute, Israel’s national center for physical education and sports, for three years. Roseanne Koenigson said her daughter plans to study Chinese medicine, including traveling to China, to learn alternative medicine.
Rachel Koenigson said she believes that if every person took some action to support the people of Sderot, it would demonstrate to its residents they are not alone.
“The Jewish nation has a tradition of caring about one another in times of need,” she added. “Now there is an opportunity for American Jews to help others and it is important we show a united face to the world.”
Show support
To support Rachel Koenigson in her March 27 half-marathon in Jerusalem to benefit the residents of Sderot, visit the Connections Israel website and make a donation.
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