125 consecutive hours – Alexander and Lila from Haifa won an international fishing competition in the Sea of ​​Galilee

(Haipo) – Alexander and Lila Ivlev, a couple of new immigrants from the French Carmel in Haifa, competed for the first time in the international fishing competition "Carp of the Galilee" held in the Sea of ​​Galilee - and managed to achieve a particularly impressive achievement: third place. The competition, which lasts for five consecutive days, requires great perseverance, skill and patience, and despite the many challenges, the couple managed to meet the task and achieve a respectable result. For Alexander, a fishing enthusiast since childhood, this was a dream come true, and Lila joined him as part of the unique couple's adventure.

Fishing as a way of life

Alexander, now 50, was born and raised in the city of Bilgorod on the Russian-Ukrainian border, where he developed his love of fishing. “In Russia, you can only fish during certain seasons, and in the winter you cut holes in the ice to get to the water,” says Lila. Fishing was an integral part of life there – whatever you caught, you ate.

Even when they immigrated to Israel, about 4.5 years ago, Alexander did not give up his love of fishing and quickly found his place in the Sea of ​​Galilee and the lakes of the Golan Heights. "He goes fishing twice a month, sometimes alone, and sometimes he stays there for two nights," says Lila. Fishing for him is not just a hobby, but a way of life - but unlike in the past, today he catches and releases.

125 hours of continuous fishing

The "Galilean Carp" competition is one of the most prestigious fishing competitions in the world, and most of its participants are professionals who come from abroad. Alexander followed the competition for a long time and watched fishing lessons on YouTube to learn the best methods.

When he decided to sign up for the competition, he knew it was a group challenge. “He asked if I would agree to join him, because these are groups of 2-3 people,” says Lila. She took a special leave of absence from work to be there for him. The competition lasted five full days – 125 consecutive hours, during which the fishermen had to be alert at every moment. “If you catch fish during the day, you continue fishing at night,” she explains.

Each group was assigned a specific spot after a draw. Luckily for the couple, they were given a relatively successful area. Over the five days, they caught 39 carp weighing a total of 90.255 kg, a result that brought them a respectable third place.

Lila – the only woman in the competition

Of all the contestants, Lila was the only woman to compete. “It was very special to receive so much attention,” she says. Although the competition was challenging, the couple says they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and plan to compete again next year, hoping to place higher.

Great love for animals

Beyond fishing, the couple are avid animal lovers. Lila works at the Haifa Zoo, and in the past, when they lived in Russia, they raised a wide variety of animals – from snakes and frogs to hedgehogs and spiders. Today, at their home in Israel, they keep “only” two chinchillas, but continue to devote their time to their love of animals.

"Israel is the best place in the world"

Even though they have only lived in the country for a few years, the Ivlevs feel a deep connection to Israel. “When Israelis complain about the country, I immediately jump up and tell them – this is the best place in the world!”, says Lila with a smile. For them, participating in the competition is not just about fishing – it is also a way to better integrate into the country and fulfill dreams in a place that has long become their home.