An experiential and sporty beach clean-up event took place today (Tuesday) in the morning on the beaches of Hadera. It was led by EcoOcean, the Olympic Committee of Israel, and the Hadera Municipality, in the presence of Mayor Nir Ben Haim, and together with students from Hofim School in Hadera.
As part of the activity, Olympic athletes, including Yuval Freilich, Maor Abo, and Itamar Harel, came to the beach. They were joined by athletes from the Academy for Excellence in Sport at the Wingate Institute—Gili Levin and Alex Tseredkov. They all took an active part in the event together with EcoOcean instructors and the students, highlighting the connection between sport, education, and protecting the environment.
The participants were divided into working groups, collected waste from the beach, and took part in an educational activity that included explanations about the marine environment alongside hands-on action. At the end of the activity, the collected waste was weighed as part of the shared experience and learning.
Pollution of beaches and seas by waste harms ecosystems and public health, and also affects marine sports. The activity aims to show students the direct impact of pollution, while also showing that each person can take part in creating change.
EcoOcean, which works to protect Israel’s seas and beaches through education, research, and community involvement, leads initiatives throughout the year to raise environmental awareness and connect the public to the sea. The cooperation with the Olympic Committee seeks to connect the worlds of sport and sustainability, and to make the message accessible to the younger generation through hands-on field activities.
Nir Ben Haim, Mayor of Hadera: “Hadera has one of the most beautiful coastlines in Israel, and it is a valuable natural asset that we are committed to protecting. Environmental education starts with direct contact with the field, and the joint activity of Hadera students with Olympic athletes connects values of excellence, responsibility, and involvement. This is how we strengthen a young generation that understands that protecting the sea and the beaches is part of quality of life and the future of the city.”
Tamar Tenenbaum, Head of Education at EcoOcean: “Here we see a special combination of learning and action. The direct connection of the students to the environment, together with inspiring figures from the world of sport, helps them understand that this is not just a distant problem, but something that each person can take responsibility for right now. Through this experience, both a sense of ability and a real commitment to protecting the sea and the beaches are created.”
Yarden Har Lev, Deputy CEO for Education and External Relations at the Olympic Committee of Israel: “The cooperation between EcoOcean and the Olympic Committee of Israel has proven itself from day one, thanks to creating an educational activity that naturally combines environmental responsibility with social values. The beach clean-up initiative, now taking place for the fourth time, has become a proud tradition—not only because it aligns with the sustainability strategy of the Olympic Committee, but also because it is led by athletes who serve as inspiration and role models for the younger generation. Each time we come to a different beach, and we are excited again to see the level of commitment of local authorities and school students to protecting the environment. Special thanks to Yuval Freilich and Ilana Berger for leading the initiative, as well as to the young athletes who joined them, the EcoOcean team, and the Hadera Municipality.”
