Israel Union for Environmental Defense

M A R C H 2 0 1 2Adam Teva V’DinIsrael Union for Environmental Defense48 Yehuda Halevy Street, Tel Aviv 65782 IsraelTel: 972-3-566 9939, Fax: 972-3-566 9940Email: info@adamteva.org.ilhttp://www.adamteva.org.il/English

IUED is a registered non-profit organization(#58-017-706-3) (Hebrew name: Adam Teva V’Din).Contributions are eligible for tax deduction underSection 46 of the Israeli Income Tax Code.

Board: Dahlia Be'eri (Chair), Ayal Avrech, Yigal Erel,Josef Gross, Gershon Grossman, Jubran Juibran, JoshuaG. Kiernan, Galit Leider, Rabbi Ronen Lovitz, OfraPeleg, Avigdor Vilnitz

Executive Director: Amit Bracha

Air & Energy: Dr. Arye Wenger, Dana Tabachnik

Environment & Community: Keren Halperin-Museri, Shelly Lev, Daphna Shalev

Planning & Land Use: Yael Dori, Eli Ben Ari

Solid Waste & Recycling: Gilad Ostrovsky, AsafRosenblum

Water: Sarit Caspi-Oron, Naama Heller, Shelly Lev

Special Projects: Karen Adomi

Spokesperson: Yael Edelist

Development: Fran Ran, Aviva Zuller,Hanna Gartenberg

Membership: Batya Toledano, Shiran Levy

Finance & Administration: David Hacohen,Iris Zar

Interns: Michal Boguslavsky, Ori Ettinger, Adi Lerner,Jonatan Nissenhaus, Yael Stoppelman

Design: Raphael Malinovitz, GraphiX

Friends of Israel’s Environment:Howard Learner, Chicago, IL - PresidentEvan J. Kaizer, Los Angeles, CA - TreasurerRachel Bartur, Los Angeles, CADaniel Grunfeld, Los Angeles, CADaniel Rosenblum, New York, NYGeri Eileen Unger, Cleveland, OHPhilip Warburg, Boston, MAJonathan Zasloff, Los Angeles, CAHonorary Friends: Representative Henry Waxman,Washington DC & Los Angeles, CAState Senator Emeritus Alan Sieorty, Los Angeles, CA

Friends of Israel’s Environment4182 Beck AvenueStudio City, CA 91604Tel: (818) 693 5255www.israelenvironment.net

Friends of Israel’s Environment is a non-profit501 (c) (3) organization. Federal ID # 58-1959151.Contributions are eligible for tax deduction.

Friends of Israel’s Environment

IUED is deeply gratefulfor the generosity ofphilanthropic foundationswho are partners in allour endeavors. Currentsupporters include:Beracha FoundationJacob & Hilda BlausteinFoundationRichard & RhodaGoldman FundGreen Environment FundThe Jacob L. & LillianHoltzmann FoundationMorningstar FoundationThe Plum Foundation

People Like You - Make it Happen

Getting Things Done

Make your Donationto ATAD More MeaningfulWhen you donate to Adam Teva V’Din to mark a special event, you honor thatperson or their memory as a partner in your giving. We will also send a specialcertificate and letter informing them of your thoughtfulness. For more information,please contact, Aviva Zuller, Donor Outreach, ATAD Aviva@adamteva.org.il

Michael Brochstein

Michael Brochstein lives in New York City wherehe is employed by the Jewish Board of Family& Children's Services. "When twenty years agoI attended a talk by the head of Adam TevaV’din I knew I had found an organization thatcombined my love of Israel and the protectionof its environment. Israel is a small denselypopulated country with ten times the populationdensity of the United States. It is currently besetby numerous serious environmental andenvironmentally related health problems. AdamTeva V’din is a uniquely capable and strongadvocate for Israel’s environment and for thehealth of its people and that is why I havebeen a supporter for over 20 years."

Amy Ouzen

I came to Israel in 1983 after graduating fromthe University of Vermont in the U.S. I havelived in many different places in Israel until Ifinally settled in Zichron Yaacov, where I havebeen living now for the past 13 years.Environmental causes and being active in thecommunity have always been important partsof my life, no matter where I have lived. I believeAdam Teva V’Din is one of the most important

environmental organizations in Israel that I amproud to support. Their professional staff andmanagement team have proved over the yearsthat it is possible to make a change in Israelipolitics, attitudes and law. There are so manyenvironmental issues to be tackled in Israel, I seethat this organization truly tries to approach eachone in a thorough, professional and intelligentway. Although not always able to succeed in itsmission, Adam Teva V’Din at least makes greatefforts in trying to raise public awareness andconsciousness to many environmental issuesthat might otherwise not be noticed. For me,environmental justice needs to be challengedthrough our judicial system and Adam, Teva V’Dinhas the expertise to do this.

Dr. Charles Howard

As a physician, Dr. Charles Howard, who livesin Omer in the Negev, believes that protectingthe environment requires different, oftenconflicting, aspects of human activity.

"There is a constant tug of war between theconflicting interests of public desire for acomfortable consumer based lifestyle and thedemands of the environment. Industry on thesupplies the work, income and goods to thepublic for this lifestyle, but at the same timeis greatly responsible for the non-sustainabilityof our modern lifestyle and much of thepollution associated with it. The demands forfunds on Government for defense, education,health, social justice, and infrastructure competewith demands for less pollution, cleaner water

and air, habitat protection and otherenvironmental issues."

Dr. Howard recognizes that juggling of thesedemands and pressures is difficult. "I supportAdam Teva V'Din because the organizationspans successfully the three elements of science,media and politics, and it fights legal battlesagainst those who break environmental laws."

Jeremy Costin

Jeremy Costin will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvahin February 2012. He lives in White Plains, NYand learned about Adam Teva V'Din throughAreyvut.org, a website that helps Jewish youthcreate charity projects in conjunction with theirbar and bat mitzvah celebrations.

"My name is Jeremy Costin and my Bar Mitzvahis on February 18. I asked my Bar Mitzvahguests to donate to Adam Teva V'Din insteadof giving me a present because I care deeplyabout both the environment and Israel. I thinkTikkun Olam includes taking care of the worldtoday so we are also making my Kiddish azero waste event which means everything willbe eco-friendly and compostable. "

Beersheba ConferenceOn Environmental JusticeWhat do you need to launch a new conferencetradition in Israel? A dynamic mayor, a top-notch venue, ministerial cooperation - andan important issue that affects the life, healthand well-being of many Israelis!

Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) was proud to organizethe first national conference on environmentaljustice at the Lillian & Larry Goodman Theaterin Beersheba, the capital of the Negev.

"Thanks to the enthusiasm of Mayor RubikDanilovitch, who welcomed the idea of settinga new standard for national public debate inBeersheba," notes Keren Halperin-Museri,coordinator of our environmental justiceprogram, "we were able to draw over 300people to talk about how Israel can insureenvironmental justice, particularly for underserved communities in the south."

Straight from the heartThe audience was on its feet cheering whencommunity activists shared their stories.Residents of Arad told of their struggle againstplans to expand phosphate mining near theirhomes. A resident of Ksaifeh, a recognizedBedouin town, brought tears to the audience'seyes when he told of the joy his neighborswhen Adam Teva V'Din's legal action led tocompletion of a sewage processing facilitydelayed for 11 years. Roni Rom, a leader ofAchla, grassroots group in Ramat Hasharoncalling for clean up on the contaminated formermilitary industries site next to their homesshared his story; other activists told of theirstruggles and successes in a video clip.

The 2nd Annual Beersheba Conference onEnvironmental Justice will take place inNovember 2012.

To Make a DonationPeople in Israel can give online via our secure web site http://www.adamteva.org.il(in English or Hebrew)Or mail a check in NIS check to:Adam Teva V'DinP.O. Box 15Tel Aviv 61000

People in North America can give online via http://www.israelenvironment.netOr mail a check in US $ to:Friends of Israel's Environment4182 Beck AvenueStudio City, CA 91604

Dear Members and Friends:On a recent trip to the US to meet with donors I was asked– Howwould you describe your organization in one word?

My answer was: "TACHLES". It's something I've learned as directorof Adam Teva V’Din, the importance of tachles (…or brass tacks,cut-to-the-chase or bottom line).

You see, tachles is what Israel is all about. And tachles carriesover to protecting the environment as well. Whether it's protectingthe Dead Sea, improving air pollution, promoting recycling orreducing health risks from environmental hazards, Adam TevaV'Din brings tachles solutions to getting things fixed.

So when people ask me, “Tachles, how is Adam Teva V'Din improvingIsraeli lives?", I have plenty of answers.

That’s tachles.

Enjoy reading this newsletter. Follow us on Facebook – we'd love to hear from you.

And thank you for your support. Tachles, it's your support that allowsus to get things done.

Amit Bracha, Executive Director

"Energy independence for Israel" is the slogan being usedto persuade the public that very soon, we will join otherMiddle Eastern countries as an oil and gas rich state.Some energy experts are skeptical but the InfrastructureMinister, Dr. Uri Landau, is rushing ahead and expeditinga fast-track 'have a license' committee anyway.

Under a loophole in the 1952 (!) Petroleum Law, theMinister is claiming full authority to do away with planningprocedures and zoning regulations and to hand outlicensing for pilot drilling anywhere in the country. Newregulations are in preparation. "It is irresponsible for theState of Israel to advance its energy economy by overturningthe Planning & Building Law," states Amit Bracha, directorof Adam Teva V'Din. "And we all know that there's nosuch thing as a 'pilot' drilling – no investor is going topack up his equipment and retreat once drilling is underway." We submitted objections to the Minister. "Our twomain points are that the Environmental Protection Ministrymust be a party to the new regulations (to date, therehas been no inter-ministerial consultation). Bracha adds:"The public's right to object and appeal against oil orgas explorations must be preserved."

Coming Soon to Your Backyard!

Health Advisory

Inspirational visit with leadingexpert on environmental health(page 2)

No More Toxic Sites

Safety first - Bill for cleaning-upcontaminated land (page 2)

Save the Dead Sea

Let the Dead Sea Live - what'sreally going on at the Dead Sea(page 3)

Everyone anActivistFirst national conference onenvironmental justice inBeersheba (back page)

Signing on - (l to r) Alona Karo-Shaeffer, EnvironmentMinistry’s director general, Mayor Rubic Danilovitchand Amit Bracha, Adam Teva V'Din.

Let the Dead Sea LiveHave you visited the Dead Sea? Floated in the salty waters opposite your spa hotel? Then you know that the

Dead Sea is a national treasure and unique natural phenomenon. But behind it lies an untold story of anachronisticlaw, industrial exploitation, manipulation and failure by the State to safeguard a precious resource.

In the center of the Syrian-African rift valley, fifty miles south of Jerusalem, at the southern outlet of the Jordan River is the beloved Dead Sea.As the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is a unique eco-system with both natural and historic treasures, important to the entire world.

The Dead Sea features a cultural heritage beyond compare. The biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, Mt. Nevo and Masada grace its shores, and theDead Sea also plays a role in early Christianity. Its ecological profile is no less illustrious, bringing together spectacular landscapes, vast mineral

riches, and important habitats for indigenous wildlife and migrating birds.

ggNewsbriefs ggNewsbriefs

A BIG MESSThe Dead Sea Basin is threatened by environmentaldegradation. The continual decline of the sea levelhas created an ecological imbalance that candestroy natural habitats and cause the loss of thisunique natural resource. The Dead Sea Basin is ingrave danger. In the last half century, the level ofthe Dead Sea has declined from 1,296 feet belowsea level to 1,345. This has precipitated rapiddegradation of sea and shore. Changes in theecological balance of this fragile eco-system arecausing deterioration of oases and wetlands. "Sinkholes" appear suddenly along the shoreline,endangering the lives and livelihoods of the peopleresiding and working in the Dead Sea area.

How Did this Happen?The primary cause of the rapid decline of the DeadSea is the reduction in the quantity of water cominginto it from its traditional sources: the Jordan Riverand various tributaries. The construction of dams,storage reservoirs, and pipelines for drinking watersupply and agriculture for Israelis, Jordanians andPalestinians has greatly reduced water inflows tothe Dead Sea. Additionally, mineral extractionactivities of the Dead Sea Works and the ArabPotash Company, operating at the southern tip ofthe Dead Sea are responsible for approximately30-40% of the annual decline because they drawmineral rich water from the northern basin toindustrial evaporation pools to produce mineralsand in particular potash which is exported as fertilizer.

It Gets WorseThe Dead Sea Works' siphoning off of water fromthe northern basin to the southern evaporationpool is legal; it is sanctioned under the Dead Sea

Concession Act 1961, which expressly allows DSW"extend, modify, maintain and destroy the DeadSea and beneath it all works .." Given this legalgreen light DSW has operated virtually unchecked.Besides contributing to the annual decline of waterlevels in the northern basin, DSW's operations havecaused millions of tons of discarded salt byproductsto settle in the southern evaporation pools. Waterlevels there are rising eight inches every year. Thisis exactly the spot of the tourist complex, where11 hotels and spas are sited. And this is where therising water is encroaching and alreadythreatening to wash their foundations away.

What to Do?Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) has a two prong approachto correct the environmental damage at the DeadSea caused by industrial operations at DSW. Firstly,we proposed that the polluter - DSW - takeresponsibility for removing the accumulated saltwastes that are causing the water level to rise alongthe tourism shoreline. Then we proposed newlegislation to impose sustainable limits on DSW'sextractive activities as a foundation for preservingthe Dead Sea environment in perpetuity.

The Dead Sea Protection Bill featured provisionsthat would obligate the Environmental ProtectionMinistry to prepare a remediation program for thenorthern basin and a secondary program forreplenishment or conservation of water. The Ministrywould also have authority to monitor the volumeof water being pumped from the northern basisfor use by DSW, setting limits in order to reduceenvironmental damage while maintaining theircapacity to extract minerals. Our bill would alsoimpose a levy on DSW production, to be paid intoa designated Dead Sea Remediation Fund.

WHAT’S IT WORTH?Equally importantly, Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) hasdemanded that the low royalty percentage (5%)DSW has been paying to exploit and profit fromIsrael's natural resources be raised to reflect similarrates in the modern world (upwards of 60% inmany Western and European countries).

The Results?Unfortunately, our Dead Sea Protection Bill wasrejected in early January by the Knesset's legislativecommittee (members of the cabinet), who weresubject to intense pressure from Israel Chemicals.And in a backroom deal, Israel's Finance Ministeragreed to limit the new royalty rates to only 10%,in return for DSW commitment to finance up to90% of the salt dredging operations.

What's Next?We promptly petitioned the High Court of Justiceto cancel the royalty agreement with Israel ChemicalsLtd (DSW's parent company) arguing that it wasbased on incorrect calculations by the FinanceMinistry (acknowledged by the Minister himself).For the state to reach such an agreement is contraryto principles of justice and at the expense of thepublic interest.

We will keep talking about the State’sresponsibilty for the Dead Sea and mobilizingthe more than 15,000 Israelis who signed apetition to preserve the Dead Sea.

We will not rest until this precious naturalwonder is preserved for everyone forever.

Recent studies reveal that noise pollutioncan be harmful to human health,damaging hearing and sleep and raisingblood pressure to dangerous levels.

According to the World HealthOrganization noise pollution contributesto tens of thousands of deaths a year.

If our kids are getting sick from exposure to toxins,is it a health issue or an environmental problem?

According to Dr. Phillip Landrigan, it's both.Physicians and environmentalists must work together to protectthe vulnerable, urged Dr. Landrigan, director of the Children'sEnvironmental Health Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in NewYork City, at a meeting with Adam Teva V'Din in Tel Aviv.

In Israel as keynote speaker at the Environment & HealthFund and Israel Pediatric Association's joint conference whichfocused on the linkage between pollution and children'shealth problems. Dr. Landrigan talked about recent researchindicating that environmental factors have a much greaterimpact on children than previously thought.

"We also talked about Adam Teva V'Din's legislative work at the nexus of health andenvironment," notes Amit Bracha, "and Dr. Landrigan advised us on how to assess and sharefindings of our research project on pesticides."

M., who recently moved to Migdal HeEmek,is going out of her mind. Two years ago, shemoved to what she thought would be a quietblock on the outskirts of town. Her new homeis, unfortunately, less than 20 meters from acommercial factory and her family is bombardedby loud noises emanating from the plant at allhours. The noise awakens them at night andhas shattered her sense of peace and quiet.

M. is not aloneLast year, our Green Alert Help Center receivedover 130 complaints from people at their wits'end about noise pollution. Sources range frombarking dogs, factories, neighbors, construction,"The human auditory system is designed toserve as a warning against danger in theenvironment," explains attorney DaphnaShalev, who coordinates our help center. "Noiseabove a certain level is perceived by the nervoussystem as a threat."

If exposures are intermittent or rare, the bodyhas the chance to return to normal. But whennoise pollution is chronic, the body doesn’thave a chance to calm down. Thus peopleliving next to busy roads or heavy industrysuffer the most from noise pollution. "Whatseems like a mere annoyance can actuallyhave long-term health effects."

Our environmental justice team has successfullyturned things around for people suffering fromnoise pollution.

In the Sharon area, a popular events hall lostits business license and a pub in a Tel Avivneighborhood was recently closed by courtorder secured by Adam Teva V'Din workingwith local residents.

As a result of our interventions against eventshalls that repeatedly expose neighbors to loudnoise, the Environment Ministry issued aregulation that licensed premises must installnoise meters."The device automatically shutsoff amplifiers if decibel levels are exceeded,"notes Shalev.

Want peace and quiet?A If you are suffering from severe noise

incidents, know your rights (see box). Callyour municipality’s 106 line or the policeand be firm that the law is on your side.

A For chronic noise emanating from factoriesor other source on a regular basis, emailour Green Alert Help Center(moked@adamteva.org.il) with full detailsand we'll see if we can help.

Please be quiet!In 2010, the Ministry of Environment Protectionupdated noise regulations to apply to modernsources of noise nuisances, including air-conditioners, garbage truck grinding, constructionand leaf-blowers.

You should know these when you needto request your neighbor or his handymanto please be quiet!

No renovations and repairs in residentialareas 10 pm - 7 am on weekdays and between5 pm on a holiday eve to 7 am the day followingthe holiday.

Limits on engineering equipment forexcavation, construction and demolition workin residential areas. Prohibitions in effect between7 pm - 7 am on weekdays and between 5 pmon a holiday eve to 7 am on the day followingthe holiday.

Prohibition on the use of firecrackers anddetonators in residential areas. Fireworks onlypermitted at a distance of a kilometer from aresidential area and between the hours of 7 am- 10 pm or on certain holidays (IndependenceDay Eve, Purim, Jerusalem Day Eve).

Prohibition on installing car alarms cameinto force in July, 2011. However, in the case ofalarm systems installed prior to that date, ownershave six years grace period (to 2017) in whichto disconnect or remove the alarm.

Restriction on the use of noisy gardeningequipment in residential areas. Prohibitionsare in effect between 7 pm - 7 am on weekdays,between 5 pm on a holiday eve and 9 am thefollowing day, and between 2 - 4 pm on holidays.

Prohibition on the operation of motorized leafblowers in residential areas. Since silent leafblowers do not exist, this prohibition is absolute.

Pushing Ahead

Nearly 200 business owners, transfer stationoperators, local authorities and governmentofficials met in December at the Hiriya recyclingcenter. The study day, organized by Adam TevaV'Din. focused on regulatory changesnecessary to improve recycling of buildingwaste in order to boost the growing recycledaggregates industry.

Planning ReformThe Knesset's special committee preparingthe government's planning reform bill hasbegun reviewing the first of final drafts beforethe bill goes to second reading. Adam TevaV'Din's objections to the bill were covered ina full-page article in The Marker, Israel's leadingeconomic newspaper.

Problems highlighted included new limits onthe public's rights to file planning objections.The bill allows for ad hoc committees, withouttransparency or oversight, to be empoweredto approve new housing and neighborhoods.

Equal AccessNot every town or neighborhood in Israel hasaccess to modern sewage services. Thedifferences in quality of life and environmentalconditions demonstrate ongoing inequalitiesin Israeli society. Our environmental justiceteam is meeting with Arab and Bedouin NGOsto build a 'modern sewage for all' partnershipfor action in 2012. Keren Halperin-Museri,environmental justice attorney, is leading theoutreach phase.

Safety FirstContaminated Sites Bill On Way

There are over 5,000 sites in Israel affected bycontamination from industrial activities. Theseinclude sizeable compounds where the IsraelMilitary Industries (IMI) manufactured munitionsand other defense materiel, army bases, solidwaste landfills and gas filling stations. Many ofthese sites – and particularly those of the IMI –are located in what are now densely populatedurban areas where they are 'forgotten in plainview'; deserted and derelict places where newneighborhoods could thrive.

There are economic, social, health andenvironmental benefits to be gained from cleaningup contaminated sites in urban areas; one officialestimate is that remediation benefits would exceedcosts at a ratio of 4:1. With Israel's populationrising by 2-3% every year there is pressure onthe government, intensified by last summer'ssocial protests, to release state land for newhousing.

Government BillAn Environment Ministry bill, based on AdamTeva V'Din (IUED)'s draft, was presented in February2012 to the Knesset. "We welcome thegovernment bill as the expedient way to get intolaw remediation of contaminated sites," notesAmit Bracha, executive director. "Unfortunately,this bill is a pale version of the private members'bill Adam Teva V'Din drafted three years ago."

Members of our Safe Lands team say that thegovernment bill needs clarification on who takes

responsibility for remediation, especially for state-owned land where the state was also the pollutingagency. "The State needs to provide land for newhousing," says Bracha, "otherwise rural openspaces and inter-urban green belts will be utilizedunnecessarily."

Adam Teva V'Din's Safe Lands team is pressingfor the law to provide a mandatory program forremediation prior to development. "Assessingand treating contaminated soil is too complicatedand important to leave clean-up to developersand construction companies."

Says attorney Karen Halperin-Museri, who isleading the Safe Lands team, "Without clear andcomprehensive legislation, there is a real dangerthat new homes, schools and neighborhoods willbe built on land replete with toxic substances,including known carcinogens."

The Contaminated Sites Law will help localauthorities and developers know the exactcondition of land they want to build upon – andhomeowners will have a true picture of whatthey are buying into.

Take a Stroll!

The restoration of the north Tel Aviv beachfrontoutside the Sea & Sun complex is almostcomplete. Adam Teva V'Din recently signedapproval of landscape remediation carriedout so far in line with the court-mandatedagreement we secured in 2004. The bleakcement wall, barriers, fences the builders lefthave been replaced by a public promenadeand landscaped areas.

It's a great conclusion and we look forward toseeing the promenade this spring, busy withfamilies taking a stroll and enjoying the view.

E-waste SolutionThis month, the cabinet approved a Ministryof Environment bill requiring producers andimporters of electronic goods to recycle 50%of equipment sold annually. The governmentbill replaces Adam Teva V'Din's privatemember's bill currently in the Knesset.

The move received the support of businessesand municipalities at a recent 'summit' ofmanufacturers organized by the Union ofLocal Authorities and Adam Teva V'Din.

What’s the Commotion?Israelis Suffer from Noise Pollution

BEFORE

AFTER

Let the Dead Sea LiveHave you visited the Dead Sea? Floated in the salty waters opposite your spa hotel? Then you know that the

Dead Sea is a national treasure and unique natural phenomenon. But behind it lies an untold story of anachronisticlaw, industrial exploitation, manipulation and failure by the State to safeguard a precious resource.

In the center of the Syrian-African rift valley, fifty miles south of Jerusalem, at the southern outlet of the Jordan River is the beloved Dead Sea.As the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is a unique eco-system with both natural and historic treasures, important to the entire world.

The Dead Sea features a cultural heritage beyond compare. The biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, Mt. Nevo and Masada grace its shores, and theDead Sea also plays a role in early Christianity. Its ecological profile is no less illustrious, bringing together spectacular landscapes, vast mineral

riches, and important habitats for indigenous wildlife and migrating birds.

ggNewsbriefs ggNewsbriefs

A BIG MESSThe Dead Sea Basin is threatened by environmentaldegradation. The continual decline of the sea levelhas created an ecological imbalance that candestroy natural habitats and cause the loss of thisunique natural resource. The Dead Sea Basin is ingrave danger. In the last half century, the level ofthe Dead Sea has declined from 1,296 feet belowsea level to 1,345. This has precipitated rapiddegradation of sea and shore. Changes in theecological balance of this fragile eco-system arecausing deterioration of oases and wetlands. "Sinkholes" appear suddenly along the shoreline,endangering the lives and livelihoods of the peopleresiding and working in the Dead Sea area.

How Did this Happen?The primary cause of the rapid decline of the DeadSea is the reduction in the quantity of water cominginto it from its traditional sources: the Jordan Riverand various tributaries. The construction of dams,storage reservoirs, and pipelines for drinking watersupply and agriculture for Israelis, Jordanians andPalestinians has greatly reduced water inflows tothe Dead Sea. Additionally, mineral extractionactivities of the Dead Sea Works and the ArabPotash Company, operating at the southern tip ofthe Dead Sea are responsible for approximately30-40% of the annual decline because they drawmineral rich water from the northern basin toindustrial evaporation pools to produce mineralsand in particular potash which is exported as fertilizer.

It Gets WorseThe Dead Sea Works' siphoning off of water fromthe northern basin to the southern evaporationpool is legal; it is sanctioned under the Dead Sea

Concession Act 1961, which expressly allows DSW"extend, modify, maintain and destroy the DeadSea and beneath it all works .." Given this legalgreen light DSW has operated virtually unchecked.Besides contributing to the annual decline of waterlevels in the northern basin, DSW's operations havecaused millions of tons of discarded salt byproductsto settle in the southern evaporation pools. Waterlevels there are rising eight inches every year. Thisis exactly the spot of the tourist complex, where11 hotels and spas are sited. And this is where therising water is encroaching and alreadythreatening to wash their foundations away.

What to Do?Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) has a two prong approachto correct the environmental damage at the DeadSea caused by industrial operations at DSW. Firstly,we proposed that the polluter - DSW - takeresponsibility for removing the accumulated saltwastes that are causing the water level to rise alongthe tourism shoreline. Then we proposed newlegislation to impose sustainable limits on DSW'sextractive activities as a foundation for preservingthe Dead Sea environment in perpetuity.

The Dead Sea Protection Bill featured provisionsthat would obligate the Environmental ProtectionMinistry to prepare a remediation program for thenorthern basin and a secondary program forreplenishment or conservation of water. The Ministrywould also have authority to monitor the volumeof water being pumped from the northern basisfor use by DSW, setting limits in order to reduceenvironmental damage while maintaining theircapacity to extract minerals. Our bill would alsoimpose a levy on DSW production, to be paid intoa designated Dead Sea Remediation Fund.

WHAT’S IT WORTH?Equally importantly, Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) hasdemanded that the low royalty percentage (5%)DSW has been paying to exploit and profit fromIsrael's natural resources be raised to reflect similarrates in the modern world (upwards of 60% inmany Western and European countries).

The Results?Unfortunately, our Dead Sea Protection Bill wasrejected in early January by the Knesset's legislativecommittee (members of the cabinet), who weresubject to intense pressure from Israel Chemicals.And in a backroom deal, Israel's Finance Ministeragreed to limit the new royalty rates to only 10%,in return for DSW commitment to finance up to90% of the salt dredging operations.

What's Next?We promptly petitioned the High Court of Justiceto cancel the royalty agreement with Israel ChemicalsLtd (DSW's parent company) arguing that it wasbased on incorrect calculations by the FinanceMinistry (acknowledged by the Minister himself).For the state to reach such an agreement is contraryto principles of justice and at the expense of thepublic interest.

We will keep talking about the State’sresponsibilty for the Dead Sea and mobilizingthe more than 15,000 Israelis who signed apetition to preserve the Dead Sea.

We will not rest until this precious naturalwonder is preserved for everyone forever.

Recent studies reveal that noise pollutioncan be harmful to human health,damaging hearing and sleep and raisingblood pressure to dangerous levels.

According to the World HealthOrganization noise pollution contributesto tens of thousands of deaths a year.

If our kids are getting sick from exposure to toxins,is it a health issue or an environmental problem?

According to Dr. Phillip Landrigan, it's both.Physicians and environmentalists must work together to protectthe vulnerable, urged Dr. Landrigan, director of the Children'sEnvironmental Health Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in NewYork City, at a meeting with Adam Teva V'Din in Tel Aviv.

In Israel as keynote speaker at the Environment & HealthFund and Israel Pediatric Association's joint conference whichfocused on the linkage between pollution and children'shealth problems. Dr. Landrigan talked about recent researchindicating that environmental factors have a much greaterimpact on children than previously thought.

"We also talked about Adam Teva V'Din's legislative work at the nexus of health andenvironment," notes Amit Bracha, "and Dr. Landrigan advised us on how to assess and sharefindings of our research project on pesticides."

M., who recently moved to Migdal HeEmek,is going out of her mind. Two years ago, shemoved to what she thought would be a quietblock on the outskirts of town. Her new homeis, unfortunately, less than 20 meters from acommercial factory and her family is bombardedby loud noises emanating from the plant at allhours. The noise awakens them at night andhas shattered her sense of peace and quiet.

M. is not aloneLast year, our Green Alert Help Center receivedover 130 complaints from people at their wits'end about noise pollution. Sources range frombarking dogs, factories, neighbors, construction,"The human auditory system is designed toserve as a warning against danger in theenvironment," explains attorney DaphnaShalev, who coordinates our help center. "Noiseabove a certain level is perceived by the nervoussystem as a threat."

If exposures are intermittent or rare, the bodyhas the chance to return to normal. But whennoise pollution is chronic, the body doesn’thave a chance to calm down. Thus peopleliving next to busy roads or heavy industrysuffer the most from noise pollution. "Whatseems like a mere annoyance can actuallyhave long-term health effects."

Our environmental justice team has successfullyturned things around for people suffering fromnoise pollution.

In the Sharon area, a popular events hall lostits business license and a pub in a Tel Avivneighborhood was recently closed by courtorder secured by Adam Teva V'Din workingwith local residents.

As a result of our interventions against eventshalls that repeatedly expose neighbors to loudnoise, the Environment Ministry issued aregulation that licensed premises must installnoise meters."The device automatically shutsoff amplifiers if decibel levels are exceeded,"notes Shalev.

Want peace and quiet?A If you are suffering from severe noise

incidents, know your rights (see box). Callyour municipality’s 106 line or the policeand be firm that the law is on your side.

A For chronic noise emanating from factoriesor other source on a regular basis, emailour Green Alert Help Center(moked@adamteva.org.il) with full detailsand we'll see if we can help.

Please be quiet!In 2010, the Ministry of Environment Protectionupdated noise regulations to apply to modernsources of noise nuisances, including air-conditioners, garbage truck grinding, constructionand leaf-blowers.

You should know these when you needto request your neighbor or his handymanto please be quiet!

No renovations and repairs in residentialareas 10 pm - 7 am on weekdays and between5 pm on a holiday eve to 7 am the day followingthe holiday.

Limits on engineering equipment forexcavation, construction and demolition workin residential areas. Prohibitions in effect between7 pm - 7 am on weekdays and between 5 pmon a holiday eve to 7 am on the day followingthe holiday.

Prohibition on the use of firecrackers anddetonators in residential areas. Fireworks onlypermitted at a distance of a kilometer from aresidential area and between the hours of 7 am- 10 pm or on certain holidays (IndependenceDay Eve, Purim, Jerusalem Day Eve).

Prohibition on installing car alarms cameinto force in July, 2011. However, in the case ofalarm systems installed prior to that date, ownershave six years grace period (to 2017) in whichto disconnect or remove the alarm.

Restriction on the use of noisy gardeningequipment in residential areas. Prohibitionsare in effect between 7 pm - 7 am on weekdays,between 5 pm on a holiday eve and 9 am thefollowing day, and between 2 - 4 pm on holidays.

Prohibition on the operation of motorized leafblowers in residential areas. Since silent leafblowers do not exist, this prohibition is absolute.

Pushing Ahead

Nearly 200 business owners, transfer stationoperators, local authorities and governmentofficials met in December at the Hiriya recyclingcenter. The study day, organized by Adam TevaV'Din. focused on regulatory changesnecessary to improve recycling of buildingwaste in order to boost the growing recycledaggregates industry.

Planning ReformThe Knesset's special committee preparingthe government's planning reform bill hasbegun reviewing the first of final drafts beforethe bill goes to second reading. Adam TevaV'Din's objections to the bill were covered ina full-page article in The Marker, Israel's leadingeconomic newspaper.

Problems highlighted included new limits onthe public's rights to file planning objections.The bill allows for ad hoc committees, withouttransparency or oversight, to be empoweredto approve new housing and neighborhoods.

Equal AccessNot every town or neighborhood in Israel hasaccess to modern sewage services. Thedifferences in quality of life and environmentalconditions demonstrate ongoing inequalitiesin Israeli society. Our environmental justiceteam is meeting with Arab and Bedouin NGOsto build a 'modern sewage for all' partnershipfor action in 2012. Keren Halperin-Museri,environmental justice attorney, is leading theoutreach phase.

Safety FirstContaminated Sites Bill On Way

There are over 5,000 sites in Israel affected bycontamination from industrial activities. Theseinclude sizeable compounds where the IsraelMilitary Industries (IMI) manufactured munitionsand other defense materiel, army bases, solidwaste landfills and gas filling stations. Many ofthese sites – and particularly those of the IMI –are located in what are now densely populatedurban areas where they are 'forgotten in plainview'; deserted and derelict places where newneighborhoods could thrive.

There are economic, social, health andenvironmental benefits to be gained from cleaningup contaminated sites in urban areas; one officialestimate is that remediation benefits would exceedcosts at a ratio of 4:1. With Israel's populationrising by 2-3% every year there is pressure onthe government, intensified by last summer'ssocial protests, to release state land for newhousing.

Government BillAn Environment Ministry bill, based on AdamTeva V'Din (IUED)'s draft, was presented in February2012 to the Knesset. "We welcome thegovernment bill as the expedient way to get intolaw remediation of contaminated sites," notesAmit Bracha, executive director. "Unfortunately,this bill is a pale version of the private members'bill Adam Teva V'Din drafted three years ago."

Members of our Safe Lands team say that thegovernment bill needs clarification on who takes

responsibility for remediation, especially for state-owned land where the state was also the pollutingagency. "The State needs to provide land for newhousing," says Bracha, "otherwise rural openspaces and inter-urban green belts will be utilizedunnecessarily."

Adam Teva V'Din's Safe Lands team is pressingfor the law to provide a mandatory program forremediation prior to development. "Assessingand treating contaminated soil is too complicatedand important to leave clean-up to developersand construction companies."

Says attorney Karen Halperin-Museri, who isleading the Safe Lands team, "Without clear andcomprehensive legislation, there is a real dangerthat new homes, schools and neighborhoods willbe built on land replete with toxic substances,including known carcinogens."

The Contaminated Sites Law will help localauthorities and developers know the exactcondition of land they want to build upon – andhomeowners will have a true picture of whatthey are buying into.

Take a Stroll!

The restoration of the north Tel Aviv beachfrontoutside the Sea & Sun complex is almostcomplete. Adam Teva V'Din recently signedapproval of landscape remediation carriedout so far in line with the court-mandatedagreement we secured in 2004. The bleakcement wall, barriers, fences the builders lefthave been replaced by a public promenadeand landscaped areas.

It's a great conclusion and we look forward toseeing the promenade this spring, busy withfamilies taking a stroll and enjoying the view.

E-waste SolutionThis month, the cabinet approved a Ministryof Environment bill requiring producers andimporters of electronic goods to recycle 50%of equipment sold annually. The governmentbill replaces Adam Teva V'Din's privatemember's bill currently in the Knesset.

The move received the support of businessesand municipalities at a recent 'summit' ofmanufacturers organized by the Union ofLocal Authorities and Adam Teva V'Din.

What’s the Commotion?Israelis Suffer from Noise Pollution

BEFORE

AFTER

Let the Dead Sea LiveHave you visited the Dead Sea? Floated in the salty waters opposite your spa hotel? Then you know that the

Dead Sea is a national treasure and unique natural phenomenon. But behind it lies an untold story of anachronisticlaw, industrial exploitation, manipulation and failure by the State to safeguard a precious resource.

In the center of the Syrian-African rift valley, fifty miles south of Jerusalem, at the southern outlet of the Jordan River is the beloved Dead Sea.As the lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is a unique eco-system with both natural and historic treasures, important to the entire world.

The Dead Sea features a cultural heritage beyond compare. The biblical Sodom and Gomorrah, Mt. Nevo and Masada grace its shores, and theDead Sea also plays a role in early Christianity. Its ecological profile is no less illustrious, bringing together spectacular landscapes, vast mineral

riches, and important habitats for indigenous wildlife and migrating birds.

ggNewsbriefs ggNewsbriefs

A BIG MESSThe Dead Sea Basin is threatened by environmentaldegradation. The continual decline of the sea levelhas created an ecological imbalance that candestroy natural habitats and cause the loss of thisunique natural resource. The Dead Sea Basin is ingrave danger. In the last half century, the level ofthe Dead Sea has declined from 1,296 feet belowsea level to 1,345. This has precipitated rapiddegradation of sea and shore. Changes in theecological balance of this fragile eco-system arecausing deterioration of oases and wetlands. "Sinkholes" appear suddenly along the shoreline,endangering the lives and livelihoods of the peopleresiding and working in the Dead Sea area.

How Did this Happen?The primary cause of the rapid decline of the DeadSea is the reduction in the quantity of water cominginto it from its traditional sources: the Jordan Riverand various tributaries. The construction of dams,storage reservoirs, and pipelines for drinking watersupply and agriculture for Israelis, Jordanians andPalestinians has greatly reduced water inflows tothe Dead Sea. Additionally, mineral extractionactivities of the Dead Sea Works and the ArabPotash Company, operating at the southern tip ofthe Dead Sea are responsible for approximately30-40% of the annual decline because they drawmineral rich water from the northern basin toindustrial evaporation pools to produce mineralsand in particular potash which is exported as fertilizer.

It Gets WorseThe Dead Sea Works' siphoning off of water fromthe northern basin to the southern evaporationpool is legal; it is sanctioned under the Dead Sea

Concession Act 1961, which expressly allows DSW"extend, modify, maintain and destroy the DeadSea and beneath it all works .." Given this legalgreen light DSW has operated virtually unchecked.Besides contributing to the annual decline of waterlevels in the northern basin, DSW's operations havecaused millions of tons of discarded salt byproductsto settle in the southern evaporation pools. Waterlevels there are rising eight inches every year. Thisis exactly the spot of the tourist complex, where11 hotels and spas are sited. And this is where therising water is encroaching and alreadythreatening to wash their foundations away.

What to Do?Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) has a two prong approachto correct the environmental damage at the DeadSea caused by industrial operations at DSW. Firstly,we proposed that the polluter - DSW - takeresponsibility for removing the accumulated saltwastes that are causing the water level to rise alongthe tourism shoreline. Then we proposed newlegislation to impose sustainable limits on DSW'sextractive activities as a foundation for preservingthe Dead Sea environment in perpetuity.

The Dead Sea Protection Bill featured provisionsthat would obligate the Environmental ProtectionMinistry to prepare a remediation program for thenorthern basin and a secondary program forreplenishment or conservation of water. The Ministrywould also have authority to monitor the volumeof water being pumped from the northern basisfor use by DSW, setting limits in order to reduceenvironmental damage while maintaining theircapacity to extract minerals. Our bill would alsoimpose a levy on DSW production, to be paid intoa designated Dead Sea Remediation Fund.

WHAT’S IT WORTH?Equally importantly, Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) hasdemanded that the low royalty percentage (5%)DSW has been paying to exploit and profit fromIsrael's natural resources be raised to reflect similarrates in the modern world (upwards of 60% inmany Western and European countries).

The Results?Unfortunately, our Dead Sea Protection Bill wasrejected in early January by the Knesset's legislativecommittee (members of the cabinet), who weresubject to intense pressure from Israel Chemicals.And in a backroom deal, Israel's Finance Ministeragreed to limit the new royalty rates to only 10%,in return for DSW commitment to finance up to90% of the salt dredging operations.

What's Next?We promptly petitioned the High Court of Justiceto cancel the royalty agreement with Israel ChemicalsLtd (DSW's parent company) arguing that it wasbased on incorrect calculations by the FinanceMinistry (acknowledged by the Minister himself).For the state to reach such an agreement is contraryto principles of justice and at the expense of thepublic interest.

We will keep talking about the State’sresponsibilty for the Dead Sea and mobilizingthe more than 15,000 Israelis who signed apetition to preserve the Dead Sea.

We will not rest until this precious naturalwonder is preserved for everyone forever.

Recent studies reveal that noise pollutioncan be harmful to human health,damaging hearing and sleep and raisingblood pressure to dangerous levels.

According to the World HealthOrganization noise pollution contributesto tens of thousands of deaths a year.

If our kids are getting sick from exposure to toxins,is it a health issue or an environmental problem?

According to Dr. Phillip Landrigan, it's both.Physicians and environmentalists must work together to protectthe vulnerable, urged Dr. Landrigan, director of the Children'sEnvironmental Health Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in NewYork City, at a meeting with Adam Teva V'Din in Tel Aviv.

In Israel as keynote speaker at the Environment & HealthFund and Israel Pediatric Association's joint conference whichfocused on the linkage between pollution and children'shealth problems. Dr. Landrigan talked about recent researchindicating that environmental factors have a much greaterimpact on children than previously thought.

"We also talked about Adam Teva V'Din's legislative work at the nexus of health andenvironment," notes Amit Bracha, "and Dr. Landrigan advised us on how to assess and sharefindings of our research project on pesticides."

M., who recently moved to Migdal HeEmek,is going out of her mind. Two years ago, shemoved to what she thought would be a quietblock on the outskirts of town. Her new homeis, unfortunately, less than 20 meters from acommercial factory and her family is bombardedby loud noises emanating from the plant at allhours. The noise awakens them at night andhas shattered her sense of peace and quiet.

M. is not aloneLast year, our Green Alert Help Center receivedover 130 complaints from people at their wits'end about noise pollution. Sources range frombarking dogs, factories, neighbors, construction,"The human auditory system is designed toserve as a warning against danger in theenvironment," explains attorney DaphnaShalev, who coordinates our help center. "Noiseabove a certain level is perceived by the nervoussystem as a threat."

If exposures are intermittent or rare, the bodyhas the chance to return to normal. But whennoise pollution is chronic, the body doesn’thave a chance to calm down. Thus peopleliving next to busy roads or heavy industrysuffer the most from noise pollution. "Whatseems like a mere annoyance can actuallyhave long-term health effects."

Our environmental justice team has successfullyturned things around for people suffering fromnoise pollution.

In the Sharon area, a popular events hall lostits business license and a pub in a Tel Avivneighborhood was recently closed by courtorder secured by Adam Teva V'Din workingwith local residents.

As a result of our interventions against eventshalls that repeatedly expose neighbors to loudnoise, the Environment Ministry issued aregulation that licensed premises must installnoise meters."The device automatically shutsoff amplifiers if decibel levels are exceeded,"notes Shalev.

Want peace and quiet?A If you are suffering from severe noise

incidents, know your rights (see box). Callyour municipality’s 106 line or the policeand be firm that the law is on your side.

A For chronic noise emanating from factoriesor other source on a regular basis, emailour Green Alert Help Center(moked@adamteva.org.il) with full detailsand we'll see if we can help.

Please be quiet!In 2010, the Ministry of Environment Protectionupdated noise regulations to apply to modernsources of noise nuisances, including air-conditioners, garbage truck grinding, constructionand leaf-blowers.

You should know these when you needto request your neighbor or his handymanto please be quiet!

No renovations and repairs in residentialareas 10 pm - 7 am on weekdays and between5 pm on a holiday eve to 7 am the day followingthe holiday.

Limits on engineering equipment forexcavation, construction and demolition workin residential areas. Prohibitions in effect between7 pm - 7 am on weekdays and between 5 pmon a holiday eve to 7 am on the day followingthe holiday.

Prohibition on the use of firecrackers anddetonators in residential areas. Fireworks onlypermitted at a distance of a kilometer from aresidential area and between the hours of 7 am- 10 pm or on certain holidays (IndependenceDay Eve, Purim, Jerusalem Day Eve).

Prohibition on installing car alarms cameinto force in July, 2011. However, in the case ofalarm systems installed prior to that date, ownershave six years grace period (to 2017) in whichto disconnect or remove the alarm.

Restriction on the use of noisy gardeningequipment in residential areas. Prohibitionsare in effect between 7 pm - 7 am on weekdays,between 5 pm on a holiday eve and 9 am thefollowing day, and between 2 - 4 pm on holidays.

Prohibition on the operation of motorized leafblowers in residential areas. Since silent leafblowers do not exist, this prohibition is absolute.

Pushing Ahead

Nearly 200 business owners, transfer stationoperators, local authorities and governmentofficials met in December at the Hiriya recyclingcenter. The study day, organized by Adam TevaV'Din. focused on regulatory changesnecessary to improve recycling of buildingwaste in order to boost the growing recycledaggregates industry.

Planning ReformThe Knesset's special committee preparingthe government's planning reform bill hasbegun reviewing the first of final drafts beforethe bill goes to second reading. Adam TevaV'Din's objections to the bill were covered ina full-page article in The Marker, Israel's leadingeconomic newspaper.

Problems highlighted included new limits onthe public's rights to file planning objections.The bill allows for ad hoc committees, withouttransparency or oversight, to be empoweredto approve new housing and neighborhoods.

Equal AccessNot every town or neighborhood in Israel hasaccess to modern sewage services. Thedifferences in quality of life and environmentalconditions demonstrate ongoing inequalitiesin Israeli society. Our environmental justiceteam is meeting with Arab and Bedouin NGOsto build a 'modern sewage for all' partnershipfor action in 2012. Keren Halperin-Museri,environmental justice attorney, is leading theoutreach phase.

Safety FirstContaminated Sites Bill On Way

There are over 5,000 sites in Israel affected bycontamination from industrial activities. Theseinclude sizeable compounds where the IsraelMilitary Industries (IMI) manufactured munitionsand other defense materiel, army bases, solidwaste landfills and gas filling stations. Many ofthese sites – and particularly those of the IMI –are located in what are now densely populatedurban areas where they are 'forgotten in plainview'; deserted and derelict places where newneighborhoods could thrive.

There are economic, social, health andenvironmental benefits to be gained from cleaningup contaminated sites in urban areas; one officialestimate is that remediation benefits would exceedcosts at a ratio of 4:1. With Israel's populationrising by 2-3% every year there is pressure onthe government, intensified by last summer'ssocial protests, to release state land for newhousing.

Government BillAn Environment Ministry bill, based on AdamTeva V'Din (IUED)'s draft, was presented in February2012 to the Knesset. "We welcome thegovernment bill as the expedient way to get intolaw remediation of contaminated sites," notesAmit Bracha, executive director. "Unfortunately,this bill is a pale version of the private members'bill Adam Teva V'Din drafted three years ago."

Members of our Safe Lands team say that thegovernment bill needs clarification on who takes

responsibility for remediation, especially for state-owned land where the state was also the pollutingagency. "The State needs to provide land for newhousing," says Bracha, "otherwise rural openspaces and inter-urban green belts will be utilizedunnecessarily."

Adam Teva V'Din's Safe Lands team is pressingfor the law to provide a mandatory program forremediation prior to development. "Assessingand treating contaminated soil is too complicatedand important to leave clean-up to developersand construction companies."

Says attorney Karen Halperin-Museri, who isleading the Safe Lands team, "Without clear andcomprehensive legislation, there is a real dangerthat new homes, schools and neighborhoods willbe built on land replete with toxic substances,including known carcinogens."

The Contaminated Sites Law will help localauthorities and developers know the exactcondition of land they want to build upon – andhomeowners will have a true picture of whatthey are buying into.

Take a Stroll!

The restoration of the north Tel Aviv beachfrontoutside the Sea & Sun complex is almostcomplete. Adam Teva V'Din recently signedapproval of landscape remediation carriedout so far in line with the court-mandatedagreement we secured in 2004. The bleakcement wall, barriers, fences the builders lefthave been replaced by a public promenadeand landscaped areas.

It's a great conclusion and we look forward toseeing the promenade this spring, busy withfamilies taking a stroll and enjoying the view.

E-waste SolutionThis month, the cabinet approved a Ministryof Environment bill requiring producers andimporters of electronic goods to recycle 50%of equipment sold annually. The governmentbill replaces Adam Teva V'Din's privatemember's bill currently in the Knesset.

The move received the support of businessesand municipalities at a recent 'summit' ofmanufacturers organized by the Union ofLocal Authorities and Adam Teva V'Din.

What’s the Commotion?Israelis Suffer from Noise Pollution

BEFORE

AFTER

Israel Union for Environmental Defense

M A R C H 2 0 1 2Adam Teva V’DinIsrael Union for Environmental Defense48 Yehuda Halevy Street, Tel Aviv 65782 IsraelTel: 972-3-566 9939, Fax: 972-3-566 9940Email: info@adamteva.org.ilhttp://www.adamteva.org.il/English

IUED is a registered non-profit organization(#58-017-706-3) (Hebrew name: Adam Teva V’Din).Contributions are eligible for tax deduction underSection 46 of the Israeli Income Tax Code.

Board: Dahlia Be'eri (Chair), Ayal Avrech, Yigal Erel,Josef Gross, Gershon Grossman, Jubran Juibran, JoshuaG. Kiernan, Galit Leider, Rabbi Ronen Lovitz, OfraPeleg, Avigdor Vilnitz

Executive Director: Amit Bracha

Air & Energy: Dr. Arye Wenger, Dana Tabachnik

Environment & Community: Keren Halperin-Museri, Shelly Lev, Daphna Shalev

Planning & Land Use: Yael Dori, Eli Ben Ari

Solid Waste & Recycling: Gilad Ostrovsky, AsafRosenblum

Water: Sarit Caspi-Oron, Naama Heller, Shelly Lev

Special Projects: Karen Adomi

Spokesperson: Yael Edelist

Development: Fran Ran, Aviva Zuller,Hanna Gartenberg

Membership: Batya Toledano, Shiran Levy

Finance & Administration: David Hacohen,Iris Zar

Interns: Michal Boguslavsky, Ori Ettinger, Adi Lerner,Jonatan Nissenhaus, Yael Stoppelman

Design: Raphael Malinovitz, GraphiX

Friends of Israel’s Environment:Howard Learner, Chicago, IL - PresidentEvan J. Kaizer, Los Angeles, CA - TreasurerRachel Bartur, Los Angeles, CADaniel Grunfeld, Los Angeles, CADaniel Rosenblum, New York, NYGeri Eileen Unger, Cleveland, OHPhilip Warburg, Boston, MAJonathan Zasloff, Los Angeles, CAHonorary Friends: Representative Henry Waxman,Washington DC & Los Angeles, CAState Senator Emeritus Alan Sieorty, Los Angeles, CA

Friends of Israel’s Environment4182 Beck AvenueStudio City, CA 91604Tel: (818) 693 5255www.israelenvironment.net

Friends of Israel’s Environment is a non-profit501 (c) (3) organization. Federal ID # 58-1959151.Contributions are eligible for tax deduction.

Friends of Israel’s Environment

IUED is deeply gratefulfor the generosity ofphilanthropic foundationswho are partners in allour endeavors. Currentsupporters include:Beracha FoundationJacob & Hilda BlausteinFoundationRichard & RhodaGoldman FundGreen Environment FundThe Jacob L. & LillianHoltzmann FoundationMorningstar FoundationThe Plum Foundation

People Like You - Make it Happen

Getting Things Done

Make your Donationto ATAD More MeaningfulWhen you donate to Adam Teva V’Din to mark a special event, you honor thatperson or their memory as a partner in your giving. We will also send a specialcertificate and letter informing them of your thoughtfulness. For more information,please contact, Aviva Zuller, Donor Outreach, ATAD Aviva@adamteva.org.il

Michael Brochstein

Michael Brochstein lives in New York City wherehe is employed by the Jewish Board of Family& Children's Services. "When twenty years agoI attended a talk by the head of Adam TevaV’din I knew I had found an organization thatcombined my love of Israel and the protectionof its environment. Israel is a small denselypopulated country with ten times the populationdensity of the United States. It is currently besetby numerous serious environmental andenvironmentally related health problems. AdamTeva V’din is a uniquely capable and strongadvocate for Israel’s environment and for thehealth of its people and that is why I havebeen a supporter for over 20 years."

Amy Ouzen

I came to Israel in 1983 after graduating fromthe University of Vermont in the U.S. I havelived in many different places in Israel until Ifinally settled in Zichron Yaacov, where I havebeen living now for the past 13 years.Environmental causes and being active in thecommunity have always been important partsof my life, no matter where I have lived. I believeAdam Teva V’Din is one of the most important

environmental organizations in Israel that I amproud to support. Their professional staff andmanagement team have proved over the yearsthat it is possible to make a change in Israelipolitics, attitudes and law. There are so manyenvironmental issues to be tackled in Israel, I seethat this organization truly tries to approach eachone in a thorough, professional and intelligentway. Although not always able to succeed in itsmission, Adam Teva V’Din at least makes greatefforts in trying to raise public awareness andconsciousness to many environmental issuesthat might otherwise not be noticed. For me,environmental justice needs to be challengedthrough our judicial system and Adam, Teva V’Dinhas the expertise to do this.

Dr. Charles Howard

As a physician, Dr. Charles Howard, who livesin Omer in the Negev, believes that protectingthe environment requires different, oftenconflicting, aspects of human activity.

"There is a constant tug of war between theconflicting interests of public desire for acomfortable consumer based lifestyle and thedemands of the environment. Industry on thesupplies the work, income and goods to thepublic for this lifestyle, but at the same timeis greatly responsible for the non-sustainabilityof our modern lifestyle and much of thepollution associated with it. The demands forfunds on Government for defense, education,health, social justice, and infrastructure competewith demands for less pollution, cleaner water

and air, habitat protection and otherenvironmental issues."

Dr. Howard recognizes that juggling of thesedemands and pressures is difficult. "I supportAdam Teva V'Din because the organizationspans successfully the three elements of science,media and politics, and it fights legal battlesagainst those who break environmental laws."

Jeremy Costin

Jeremy Costin will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvahin February 2012. He lives in White Plains, NYand learned about Adam Teva V'Din throughAreyvut.org, a website that helps Jewish youthcreate charity projects in conjunction with theirbar and bat mitzvah celebrations.

"My name is Jeremy Costin and my Bar Mitzvahis on February 18. I asked my Bar Mitzvahguests to donate to Adam Teva V'Din insteadof giving me a present because I care deeplyabout both the environment and Israel. I thinkTikkun Olam includes taking care of the worldtoday so we are also making my Kiddish azero waste event which means everything willbe eco-friendly and compostable. "

Beersheba ConferenceOn Environmental JusticeWhat do you need to launch a new conferencetradition in Israel? A dynamic mayor, a top-notch venue, ministerial cooperation - andan important issue that affects the life, healthand well-being of many Israelis!

Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) was proud to organizethe first national conference on environmentaljustice at the Lillian & Larry Goodman Theaterin Beersheba, the capital of the Negev.

"Thanks to the enthusiasm of Mayor RubikDanilovitch, who welcomed the idea of settinga new standard for national public debate inBeersheba," notes Keren Halperin-Museri,coordinator of our environmental justiceprogram, "we were able to draw over 300people to talk about how Israel can insureenvironmental justice, particularly for underserved communities in the south."

Straight from the heartThe audience was on its feet cheering whencommunity activists shared their stories.Residents of Arad told of their struggle againstplans to expand phosphate mining near theirhomes. A resident of Ksaifeh, a recognizedBedouin town, brought tears to the audience'seyes when he told of the joy his neighborswhen Adam Teva V'Din's legal action led tocompletion of a sewage processing facilitydelayed for 11 years. Roni Rom, a leader ofAchla, grassroots group in Ramat Hasharoncalling for clean up on the contaminated formermilitary industries site next to their homesshared his story; other activists told of theirstruggles and successes in a video clip.

The 2nd Annual Beersheba Conference onEnvironmental Justice will take place inNovember 2012.

To Make a DonationPeople in Israel can give online via our secure web site http://www.adamteva.org.il(in English or Hebrew)Or mail a check in NIS check to:Adam Teva V'DinP.O. Box 15Tel Aviv 61000

People in North America can give online via http://www.israelenvironment.netOr mail a check in US $ to:Friends of Israel's Environment4182 Beck AvenueStudio City, CA 91604

Dear Members and Friends:On a recent trip to the US to meet with donors I was asked– Howwould you describe your organization in one word?

My answer was: "TACHLES". It's something I've learned as directorof Adam Teva V’Din, the importance of tachles (…or brass tacks,cut-to-the-chase or bottom line).

You see, tachles is what Israel is all about. And tachles carriesover to protecting the environment as well. Whether it's protectingthe Dead Sea, improving air pollution, promoting recycling orreducing health risks from environmental hazards, Adam TevaV'Din brings tachles solutions to getting things fixed.

So when people ask me, “Tachles, how is Adam Teva V'Din improvingIsraeli lives?", I have plenty of answers.

That’s tachles.

Enjoy reading this newsletter. Follow us on Facebook – we'd love to hear from you.

And thank you for your support. Tachles, it's your support that allowsus to get things done.

Amit Bracha, Executive Director

"Energy independence for Israel" is the slogan being usedto persuade the public that very soon, we will join otherMiddle Eastern countries as an oil and gas rich state.Some energy experts are skeptical but the InfrastructureMinister, Dr. Uri Landau, is rushing ahead and expeditinga fast-track 'have a license' committee anyway.

Under a loophole in the 1952 (!) Petroleum Law, theMinister is claiming full authority to do away with planningprocedures and zoning regulations and to hand outlicensing for pilot drilling anywhere in the country. Newregulations are in preparation. "It is irresponsible for theState of Israel to advance its energy economy by overturningthe Planning & Building Law," states Amit Bracha, directorof Adam Teva V'Din. "And we all know that there's nosuch thing as a 'pilot' drilling – no investor is going topack up his equipment and retreat once drilling is underway." We submitted objections to the Minister. "Our twomain points are that the Environmental Protection Ministrymust be a party to the new regulations (to date, therehas been no inter-ministerial consultation). Bracha adds:"The public's right to object and appeal against oil orgas explorations must be preserved."

Coming Soon to Your Backyard!

Health Advisory

Inspirational visit with leadingexpert on environmental health(page 2)

No More Toxic Sites

Safety first - Bill for cleaning-upcontaminated land (page 2)

Save the Dead Sea

Let the Dead Sea Live - what'sreally going on at the Dead Sea(page 3)

Everyone anActivistFirst national conference onenvironmental justice inBeersheba (back page)

Signing on - (l to r) Alona Karo-Shaeffer, EnvironmentMinistry’s director general, Mayor Rubic Danilovitchand Amit Bracha, Adam Teva V'Din.

Israel Union for Environmental Defense

M A R C H 2 0 1 2Adam Teva V’DinIsrael Union for Environmental Defense48 Yehuda Halevy Street, Tel Aviv 65782 IsraelTel: 972-3-566 9939, Fax: 972-3-566 9940Email: info@adamteva.org.ilhttp://www.adamteva.org.il/English

IUED is a registered non-profit organization(#58-017-706-3) (Hebrew name: Adam Teva V’Din).Contributions are eligible for tax deduction underSection 46 of the Israeli Income Tax Code.

Board: Dahlia Be'eri (Chair), Ayal Avrech, Yigal Erel,Josef Gross, Gershon Grossman, Jubran Juibran, JoshuaG. Kiernan, Galit Leider, Rabbi Ronen Lovitz, OfraPeleg, Avigdor Vilnitz

Executive Director: Amit Bracha

Air & Energy: Dr. Arye Wenger, Dana Tabachnik

Environment & Community: Keren Halperin-Museri, Shelly Lev, Daphna Shalev

Planning & Land Use: Yael Dori, Eli Ben Ari

Solid Waste & Recycling: Gilad Ostrovsky, AsafRosenblum

Water: Sarit Caspi-Oron, Naama Heller, Shelly Lev

Special Projects: Karen Adomi

Spokesperson: Yael Edelist

Development: Fran Ran, Aviva Zuller,Hanna Gartenberg

Membership: Batya Toledano, Shiran Levy

Finance & Administration: David Hacohen,Iris Zar

Interns: Michal Boguslavsky, Ori Ettinger, Adi Lerner,Jonatan Nissenhaus, Yael Stoppelman

Design: Raphael Malinovitz, GraphiX

Friends of Israel’s Environment:Howard Learner, Chicago, IL - PresidentEvan J. Kaizer, Los Angeles, CA - TreasurerRachel Bartur, Los Angeles, CADaniel Grunfeld, Los Angeles, CADaniel Rosenblum, New York, NYGeri Eileen Unger, Cleveland, OHPhilip Warburg, Boston, MAJonathan Zasloff, Los Angeles, CAHonorary Friends: Representative Henry Waxman,Washington DC & Los Angeles, CAState Senator Emeritus Alan Sieorty, Los Angeles, CA

Friends of Israel’s Environment4182 Beck AvenueStudio City, CA 91604Tel: (818) 693 5255www.israelenvironment.net

Friends of Israel’s Environment is a non-profit501 (c) (3) organization. Federal ID # 58-1959151.Contributions are eligible for tax deduction.

Friends of Israel’s Environment

IUED is deeply gratefulfor the generosity ofphilanthropic foundationswho are partners in allour endeavors. Currentsupporters include:Beracha FoundationJacob & Hilda BlausteinFoundationRichard & RhodaGoldman FundGreen Environment FundThe Jacob L. & LillianHoltzmann FoundationMorningstar FoundationThe Plum Foundation

People Like You - Make it Happen

Getting Things Done

Make your Donationto ATAD More MeaningfulWhen you donate to Adam Teva V’Din to mark a special event, you honor thatperson or their memory as a partner in your giving. We will also send a specialcertificate and letter informing them of your thoughtfulness. For more information,please contact, Aviva Zuller, Donor Outreach, ATAD Aviva@adamteva.org.il

Michael Brochstein

Michael Brochstein lives in New York City wherehe is employed by the Jewish Board of Family& Children's Services. "When twenty years agoI attended a talk by the head of Adam TevaV’din I knew I had found an organization thatcombined my love of Israel and the protectionof its environment. Israel is a small denselypopulated country with ten times the populationdensity of the United States. It is currently besetby numerous serious environmental andenvironmentally related health problems. AdamTeva V’din is a uniquely capable and strongadvocate for Israel’s environment and for thehealth of its people and that is why I havebeen a supporter for over 20 years."

Amy Ouzen

I came to Israel in 1983 after graduating fromthe University of Vermont in the U.S. I havelived in many different places in Israel until Ifinally settled in Zichron Yaacov, where I havebeen living now for the past 13 years.Environmental causes and being active in thecommunity have always been important partsof my life, no matter where I have lived. I believeAdam Teva V’Din is one of the most important

environmental organizations in Israel that I amproud to support. Their professional staff andmanagement team have proved over the yearsthat it is possible to make a change in Israelipolitics, attitudes and law. There are so manyenvironmental issues to be tackled in Israel, I seethat this organization truly tries to approach eachone in a thorough, professional and intelligentway. Although not always able to succeed in itsmission, Adam Teva V’Din at least makes greatefforts in trying to raise public awareness andconsciousness to many environmental issuesthat might otherwise not be noticed. For me,environmental justice needs to be challengedthrough our judicial system and Adam, Teva V’Dinhas the expertise to do this.

Dr. Charles Howard

As a physician, Dr. Charles Howard, who livesin Omer in the Negev, believes that protectingthe environment requires different, oftenconflicting, aspects of human activity.

"There is a constant tug of war between theconflicting interests of public desire for acomfortable consumer based lifestyle and thedemands of the environment. Industry on thesupplies the work, income and goods to thepublic for this lifestyle, but at the same timeis greatly responsible for the non-sustainabilityof our modern lifestyle and much of thepollution associated with it. The demands forfunds on Government for defense, education,health, social justice, and infrastructure competewith demands for less pollution, cleaner water

and air, habitat protection and otherenvironmental issues."

Dr. Howard recognizes that juggling of thesedemands and pressures is difficult. "I supportAdam Teva V'Din because the organizationspans successfully the three elements of science,media and politics, and it fights legal battlesagainst those who break environmental laws."

Jeremy Costin

Jeremy Costin will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvahin February 2012. He lives in White Plains, NYand learned about Adam Teva V'Din throughAreyvut.org, a website that helps Jewish youthcreate charity projects in conjunction with theirbar and bat mitzvah celebrations.

"My name is Jeremy Costin and my Bar Mitzvahis on February 18. I asked my Bar Mitzvahguests to donate to Adam Teva V'Din insteadof giving me a present because I care deeplyabout both the environment and Israel. I thinkTikkun Olam includes taking care of the worldtoday so we are also making my Kiddish azero waste event which means everything willbe eco-friendly and compostable. "

Beersheba ConferenceOn Environmental JusticeWhat do you need to launch a new conferencetradition in Israel? A dynamic mayor, a top-notch venue, ministerial cooperation - andan important issue that affects the life, healthand well-being of many Israelis!

Adam Teva V'Din (IUED) was proud to organizethe first national conference on environmentaljustice at the Lillian & Larry Goodman Theaterin Beersheba, the capital of the Negev.

"Thanks to the enthusiasm of Mayor RubikDanilovitch, who welcomed the idea of settinga new standard for national public debate inBeersheba," notes Keren Halperin-Museri,coordinator of our environmental justiceprogram, "we were able to draw over 300people to talk about how Israel can insureenvironmental justice, particularly for underserved communities in the south."

Straight from the heartThe audience was on its feet cheering whencommunity activists shared their stories.Residents of Arad told of their struggle againstplans to expand phosphate mining near theirhomes. A resident of Ksaifeh, a recognizedBedouin town, brought tears to the audience'seyes when he told of the joy his neighborswhen Adam Teva V'Din's legal action led tocompletion of a sewage processing facilitydelayed for 11 years. Roni Rom, a leader ofAchla, grassroots group in Ramat Hasharoncalling for clean up on the contaminated formermilitary industries site next to their homesshared his story; other activists told of theirstruggles and successes in a video clip.

The 2nd Annual Beersheba Conference onEnvironmental Justice will take place inNovember 2012.

To Make a DonationPeople in Israel can give online via our secure web site http://www.adamteva.org.il(in English or Hebrew)Or mail a check in NIS check to:Adam Teva V'DinP.O. Box 15Tel Aviv 61000

People in North America can give online via http://www.israelenvironment.netOr mail a check in US $ to:Friends of Israel's Environment4182 Beck AvenueStudio City, CA 91604

Dear Members and Friends:On a recent trip to the US to meet with donors I was asked– Howwould you describe your organization in one word?

My answer was: "TACHLES". It's something I've learned as directorof Adam Teva V’Din, the importance of tachles (…or brass tacks,cut-to-the-chase or bottom line).

You see, tachles is what Israel is all about. And tachles carriesover to protecting the environment as well. Whether it's protectingthe Dead Sea, improving air pollution, promoting recycling orreducing health risks from environmental hazards, Adam TevaV'Din brings tachles solutions to getting things fixed.

So when people ask me, “Tachles, how is Adam Teva V'Din improvingIsraeli lives?", I have plenty of answers.

That’s tachles.

Enjoy reading this newsletter. Follow us on Facebook – we'd love to hear from you.

And thank you for your support. Tachles, it's your support that allowsus to get things done.

Amit Bracha, Executive Director

"Energy independence for Israel" is the slogan being usedto persuade the public that very soon, we will join otherMiddle Eastern countries as an oil and gas rich state.Some energy experts are skeptical but the InfrastructureMinister, Dr. Uri Landau, is rushing ahead and expeditinga fast-track 'have a license' committee anyway.

Under a loophole in the 1952 (!) Petroleum Law, theMinister is claiming full authority to do away with planningprocedures and zoning regulations and to hand outlicensing for pilot drilling anywhere in the country. Newregulations are in preparation. "It is irresponsible for theState of Israel to advance its energy economy by overturningthe Planning & Building Law," states Amit Bracha, directorof Adam Teva V'Din. "And we all know that there's nosuch thing as a 'pilot' drilling – no investor is going topack up his equipment and retreat once drilling is underway." We submitted objections to the Minister. "Our twomain points are that the Environmental Protection Ministrymust be a party to the new regulations (to date, therehas been no inter-ministerial consultation). Bracha adds:"The public's right to object and appeal against oil orgas explorations must be preserved."

Coming Soon to Your Backyard!

Health Advisory

Inspirational visit with leadingexpert on environmental health(page 2)

No More Toxic Sites

Safety first - Bill for cleaning-upcontaminated land (page 2)

Save the Dead Sea

Let the Dead Sea Live - what'sreally going on at the Dead Sea(page 3)

Everyone anActivistFirst national conference onenvironmental justice inBeersheba (back page)

Signing on - (l to r) Alona Karo-Shaeffer, EnvironmentMinistry’s director general, Mayor Rubic Danilovitchand Amit Bracha, Adam Teva V'Din.