Kaima annual conference – Kaima Nahalal- Thank you letter

Dear Joelle, Gad, Ami and Johanna,

I hope you are well. It has been a while since I was in touch. Farmers always know spring is in full swing when the work load increases. This has truly been a busy time at Kaima Nahalal. Before things get even more hectic, I wanted to share a few things.

Fresh on my mind is the annual Kaima seminar for all adult staff across the Israel network, facilitated with the encouragement of the Matanel Foundation. The two-day gathering, hosted at Hukuk, was overwhelming (in the best possible way), with much invested in furthering our collaborations and teaching and learning from one another. It was wonderful.

Last month, during Chol HaMoed Pesach, we held our annual Open Day at the farm. We worked hard to plan and promote the event but, given forecasts of calm weather, did not take into account the possibility of rain. Imagine our surprise when, for the first time in 14 years of holding the market (first under the auspices of Yesh Meain and now with Kaima Nahalal as a partner), we were pelted by a rogue rainstorm the middle of all the fun!

At first we were disappointed, but it turned out to be the moment we discovered we are truly part of a community. Everyone–our team, volunteers and customers included–stepped up to immediately cover our beautiful veggie displays and bring everything into our ecological center. Without missing a beat, the event continued indoors. Though the rain soon stopped and the sun came out for the rest of the day, it was an experience which helped us connect more deeply with others. In the end, we estimate that more than 300 people came to buy our veggies, seeds and baby plants; tour our gardens and fields; eat with us; and enjoy the festive market atmosphere. It was uplifting and joyful time!

In other news, just prior to Erev Pesach, I received a call that I had been named a recipient of the Yaffa London Yaari Prize which recognizes women who have established innovative solutions to advancing the status of girls and women in Israel society. A few days later, I was invited to give a lecture at Moshav Nahalal’s annual Independence Day event, which this year focused on people engaged in dream-fulfilling work. For me, this is about changing the landscape (literally and figuratively) for the young girl/woman who feels disconnected from her center and larger society. The event was an opportunity to increase awareness, further legitimize our work, attract additional customers and build new relationships.

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I want to thank you all for being such good friends. Our success has been largely enabled and spirited forward the Matanel Fund. Thank you for being with us from the beginning.

With appreciation,

Merav

Merav Carmi

Co-Founder, CEO

Kaima Nahalal