Who Wants to Be a Desert Queen?

On October 27th a unique event will begin in Israel: the 2009 Desert Queen jeep expedition. Now in its second year, the expedition is jointly sponsored by the Jewish Agency for Israel and Geographical Tours. Its goal is to empower women while also encouraging them to connect with each other as they trek through some of the most exotic and challenging landscapes in the world. Participants work as teams and are put to the test through competitive outdoor challenges, 4WD driving, self-reflection and sleeping outdoors, among other things. Each team is led by experienced guides and has support from a team of specialists, including a full-time doctor.

The first Israeli Desert Queen expedition took place in 2008 in honor of Israel's 60th anniversary. However expeditions have been taking place outside of Israel since 1999, beginning with a joint Israeli-Jordanian expedition that hoped to share a message of peace with the world. Expeditions have also taken place in South Africa, Turkey, Ethiopia, Thailand and India. In 2008 twelve expeditions took place with 575 female participants.

In an interview with the Jerusalem Post, 2008 Desert Queen Andrea Arbel, said of last year's Israel expedition:

"It was one of the most meaningful experiences I've ever had... the most amazing thing was that the Israeli women rediscovered their Zionism, falling in love with Israel all over again, looking through the eyes of overseas women... On the other hand, overseas women, even those that have been to Israel a million times, got to know Israel in a whole new way."

Next week's expedition will take place in the Negev and will run from October 27th - November 3rd. Good luck ladies!