Saving the Shofet river and the Valley Of Peace

The Shofet River Valley, Emek Hashalom (Valley of Peace), and Ramat Hashnayim (The Two Heights) – beloved hiking destinations in Israel. During the blooming season, tens of thousands of Israelis flock here weekly, and KKL estimates over a million visitors annually, all to revel in the enchanting blossoms and flowing streams – completely free and accessible to everyone! Yet, within this very area reside over 14 species of severely endangered plants and animals, including the Iris haynei, the Banded Newt, and the vanishing Red-footed Falcon. It is also home to one of the most visited carpets of vibrant anemones in Israel! Professor Shainas, the founder of the global TiME movement, has described this region as a crucial global HOTSPOT that we absolutely must protect! The Threat: Looming over this beauty is a clear and immediate danger – the "Ramat Hashnayim" construction plan. This plan aims to erect buildings for approximately 850 housing units up to 400 meters above the Shofet River, a development that would devastatingly impact this rare area. The plan has not yet been approved and can still be stopped. The Consequences: 2. Danger to the Shofet River: Imagine millions of liters of sewage and wastewater flowing into the Shofet River, polluting it with everything from wipes to refuse. How? A sewage pumping plant is planned as part of the project, a mere 400 meters upstream. Past experience shows that facilities of this kind are prone to leakage every few years. 4. Acute damage to the Sanin Stream and destruction of the anemone area, one of the most visited natural sites in Israel, serving as a vital nature and recreation hub for the entire region. 6. Severe harm to the habitat of over 14 severely endangered plant and animal species, and over 200 species found within this rich area. The Solution: Legal and statutory protection for Ramat Hashnayim and Emek Hashalom, transforming them into a protected area, safe from development. How will we achieve this? 2. Legal Action: Submitting appeals to planning committees and filing lawsuits against the construction plan, given the public expropriation involved (the plan is riddled with irregularities and conflicts of interest, as reported by N12 journalist Yossi Mizrahi). 4. On-the-Ground and Community Engagement: Mobilizing the wider public to fight by organizing events and activities in the area, such as the "Anemone Festival" and "Ramat Hashnayim in Boots." 6. Political Action: Building connections with key figures in national and local politics to enlist their support in the struggle. But we need to build! We all agree on the necessity of new housing, and thankfully, Yokne'am has received a "bonus" of over 5,000 new housing units in other areas in the last two years. Therefore, there is no real reason to build in this unique and precious area. Who We Are: The Movement to Save Emek Hashalom, Ramat Hashnayim, and Nahal Shofet is a volunteer organization active since 2006, dedicated to stopping the unwarranted seizure of green spaces in the Shofet River basin. The movement has successfully gathered 60,000 signatures from Israelis, and thousands are members of our action groups. Thanks to people like you, we have managed to limit Yokne'am's expansion at the expense of Emek Hashalom. We have one more battle left. A battle that, if we win, will ensure for generations to come that this place remains untouched by construction. That our children and grandchildren will also be able to enjoy this rare Israeli beauty. This is our last chance, and now we need your help.