Ten years after it was first introduced in the United States, Israelis will mark their first National Day of Unplugging this Saturday, March 1.
The Reboot organization, which founded the initiative, has managed to rally dozens of companies and influential figures in the U.S. to its cause of observing "a 24-hour digital detox from technology."
In recent years, tens of thousands of Americans have opted to devote one day of the year to completely detaching themselves from their smartphones, television and computers, with the intention of reconnecting with nature, family and friends.
Dr. Ruth Kabbesa-Abramzon founded Israel's Shabbat Unplugged project.
"The more people have to use computer, television and phone screens on a daily basis and for longer periods, the greater their desire for time without those things. We have a built-in solution in our culture for this – Shabbat," she said.
Kabbesa-Abramzon is calling on parents to embrace the day of unplugging and encourage others to do the same.
"Everyone can find something to do on their Shabbat. The main thing is to do it together, without escaping into screens," she said.
