Leaving An Imprint On The Jewish State

by Carley Sirlin
What? You are a college student and came all on your own? You paid for your flight, just to help us? Kol Hakavod!

These were the reactions that my group and I came across during our volunteer army experience through the Volunteers for Israel® program. Through the program, I was able to work with people from around the world, including America, Australia, France and Austria.

Working side by side with the soldiers, Israelis and my new friends was the most rewarding and incredible experience. I was really able to get that warm and accomplished feeling in my heart after a day’s work knowing that I made a difference in helping Israel. Just within a few days of being on my base, I immediately felt like a citizen of Israeli society and not a tourist anymore by just spending money and touring Israel. I felt very productive in helping Israel by doing alternative things instead of just boosting the economy. Our jobs consisted of painting, kitchen duty, packing emergency equipment, etc. These jobs may seem tedious to some, but they turned out to be very helpful to the soldiers, so they were able to take care of more important things that needed to be done on the base. Also, being able to wear the army fatigues as my work clothes was something I was able to take a lot of pride in. The bases that I was placed at were outside the cities of Haifa and Ramalah.

Our madrichot (literally guides), played a big role in ensuring that our experience on the volunteer program was amazing. Every night after dinner, they would lead an evening activity, which would include things such as singing Hebrew songs, celebrating Chanukah or learning about Israel’s history. The madrichot I had, Talia, Ideet, Judith, Amalia and Jennifer, were the hardest workers I’ve seen. They jumped through hoops for us to make sure everything was organized and we were always comfortable. Throughout the program, during meals, free and work time, and specifically our Chanukah celebrations, I really felt as though my madrichot, the other volunteers, soldiers and I merged as one big family. All of us ranged from 18 to 80 years young. It was a great feeling to have people my grandparents’ age treating the younger volunteers as if we were their own grandchildren.

The program even organized a trip for all the volunteers from all the bases to go to Jerusalem for a day to tour the old city and see the Kotel (Western Wall). There I was able to have not only a spiritual experience by being in the holiest city in the world for Jews, but also a bonding experience with the other volunteers and soldiers.

I can highly recommend the Volunteers for Israel® program for anyone who wants to make a difference in helping Israel and making new friends from around the world.