Local Fisherman Leads Cleanup Effort Against Growing Trash at Sea of Galilee Beaches

After three years of relative quiet due to security concerns that kept visitors away, the Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) has seen a return of tourists this summer, bringing with them a resurgence of litter problems along its shores. Despite the lake’s water level remaining 10 centimeters below the lower red line and about 4.3 meters short of full capacity, the amount of trash on the beaches is increasing after a previous decline during the pandemic years.

Managed beaches under the Kinneret Cities Association have cleanup crews, but the task is challenging and time-consuming, with some waste blown into the water. Unregulated beaches suffer even more, as no one collects the trash left behind by visitors. Common debris includes glass bottles, snack bags, grills, and tents, which remain long after people leave.

One local resident, Naftali Mimoni from Yavne’el, who owns a fishing gear store, has taken it upon himself to clean the beaches and organize large-scale cleanup campaigns with fellow fishermen who frequent the lake. To encourage participation, he offers prizes for the best cleanup efforts. Mimoni describes the pollution as a personal violation, saying, "It feels like someone came into your home and destroyed it." He laments the damage to the lake and stresses the importance of education and responsibility, especially among young people.

Mimoni reports growing community involvement, with fishermen actively joining cleanup efforts, sharing photos and updates from various beaches. He emphasizes that while water levels cannot be easily changed, the trash problem can be addressed if visitors take responsibility for their waste. The pollution not only mars the lake’s beauty but also threatens wildlife and one of Israel’s vital natural resources.