Zalul Environmental Association is an environmental not-for-profit organization committed to protecting and maintaining clean, clear water along Israel’s rivers and shorelines. Founded in 1999 by a group of concerned citizens alarmed by the ongoing degeneration of Israel’s natural water resources and the lack of infrastructure and regulations to safeguard them, Zalul is comprised of a dedicated small team of professionals from various fields, devoted to protecting Israel’s natural heritage and to bring issues of environmental protection to the forefront of the public agenda. Today, Zalul is one of Israel’s leading environmental NGOs.

The pollution that affects Israel's rivers is a result of years of neglect by the Israeli government – both national ministries and local authorities. It is a failure brought about by a limited world view, the perception that Israel had an inexhaustible amount of water resources, and the notion that rivers were meant to be used as sewage canals – while disregarding their important place in the natural ecosystem and their hidden potential to become waterways for sport and recreation.

On June 30, 2009, over 60 soldiers and officers from the Zrifin Airforce Base participated in cleaning up the Sorek River estuary next to Palmachim Beach. Over 30 bags of garbage were collected from the area - leftovers from weekend visitors - primarily plastic and glass bottles, plastic bags, and leftover food.

The bathing season has begun in Israel and the beaches are packed with happy faces soaking up the spring sunshine. At Zalul we love the waves just as much as all the surfers, fisherman and other beachgoers who call the beach their second home. We also believe that everyone in Israel has a right to a clean and safe sea, which is why Zalul spends every day fighting those who try to pollute Israel's rivers and the Mediterranean Sea.

If you are visiting Israel with a group or a mission, join us for two hours at the beach for a clean-up, or as we like to call it "tikkun hayam." Or spend a half or full day with Zalul biking and touring Israel's rivers and learning about the country's environmental history. Contact Hannah Schafer for more information by clicking the link above.

Zalul is very pleased to announce that we have joined the JGooders network! Help us save the sea by educating the next generation of beachgoers and teaching them to be responsible citizens. Donate on JGooders today!

You've got questions? We've got answers! Learn which beaches and rivers are safe to swim in, what you should do in case of an emergency, where the pollution is coming from, what is being done, how you can get involved and more...

Is the beach your favorite spot to hang out? Are you passionate about the environment? Do you care about a sustainable future for the State of Israel? If you answered yes to any of the above, then consider interning at one of Israel's leading environmental organizations – Zalul Environmental Association