By Cory Gelmon

 

I'm back and I had an amazing experience in Israel.  The first week I was sent to a base where the volunteers - 12 of us - worked in the armory cleaning M-16s and Galil rifles - so they could be re-used.  We did this as part of a compliment of soldiers and volunteers working together.  We were housed in the barracks with the soldiers - worked with them, ate with them etc.  They were all very grateful for our efforts and support which was terrific.  The volunteer group was comprised of 4 Canadians, 2 Italians, 1 Belgian and 5 Americans.  Most of the volunteers here were around my age, except the Italians who were 26.  Of the group, all were Jewish except 1 Canadian woman and 1 American woman.  I found it interesting finding out everyone's rationale for volunteering.

 The second week I was sent to a different base close to Ashdod.  This was interesting as it was close to an Air force base that was sending the F - 15s and 16s to Gaza.  They were screaming overhead all day long, and we could feel the concussions waves/shock waves from their visits to Gaza, which was about 30 miles away - about 1 minute of flying time. This was more interesting as this was a staging base for the reservists called up for Gaza Operation.  Our job was varied - again cleaning the weapons that had just returned from Gaza.  Mostly, we repacked all of the field packs (backpacks and duffle bags) that each reservist used when they went to Gaza.  Our job was to get it repacked and ready to go again.  We worked in groups - again, side by side with the soldiers, who thought we were crazy for doing it of our own free will, not to mention expense.  The sergeant we worked for said it would have taken them three times longer with the conscripts, as we were hustling, and making the soldiers work harder than they otherwise would.  Again, the soldiers were terrific and grateful we were there to help. 

The barracks here were pretty rough, but the food was way better.  The volunteer group here consisted of 4 Brits, 2 Canadians, 3 Americans and 1 Dutchman.  This group was all in there 20s except for me and 2 Americans who were both a little older than me.  Of this group, the Dutchman was a 17 year old non Jewish boy who hated what the Muslims had done to Holland, and wanted to join the IDF - failing which he would join the Dutch army.  One of the Americans was a non Jewish, Vietnam Vet who was on his 3rd "tour" as a volunteer.  He was there as he said Israel is the only country with the guts to stand up to radical Islam.  Also, the other Canadian was a 25 year old guy from Vancouver, who wasn't Jewish but was in love with Israel and the IDF.  This group was all male and younger as the work was physically demanding - but good.  Us old guys were given the option to have gone to another base where they packed field medical supply kits - which was not as demanding.

In summary, a tremendous connection with the soldiers and other volunteers.  All of us were sick of  defending Israel at home, and all of us were just happy to be there contributing.   I'll definitely be going again, soon I hope.