Bringing Jerusalem to Runners (and Walkers) Around the World

Stand for Israel  |  February 24, 2021

Last fall, we excitedly shared a new experience – virtual running tours around the Holy City of Jerusalem and other spots in the Holy Land of Israel. The Jerusalem Post’s Jessica Levine Kupferberg featured “Running Around Jerusalem” not too long ago, and Stand for Israel will surely keep you updated on the latest places these Israeli runners might take us:

[Running Around Jerusalem], a passion project for creators Michael (Matityahu) Glassman, Daniel Kutscher, and Phillip GordonLavine, is a series of free 30-minute YouTube videos that take viewers on running tours of an eclectic mix of Jerusalem neighborhoods. Runners who are missing Jerusalem due to travel limitations or quarantines can now simulate running through Jerusalem on their treadmills, but anyone missing the Holy City can watch, learn and enjoy Running Around Jerusalem.

In each episode, the camera follows Glassman and Kutscher while they run a five-kilometer course as Glassman gives Kutscher, and the viewer along with him, an informative and entertaining historical running tour of each area. As Glassman states, “We want those running along with us to feel like they are personally running through the streets of Jerusalem with two running buddies while learning about Jerusalem’s history, culture and people.”

RAJ is the brainchild of Glassman, a 39-year-old tour guide and educator who lives in Jerusalem’s Armon Hanatziv neighborhood, who found a way to dovetail his skills as a tour guide with his love for Jerusalem and a newfound passion for running…