During October 2009 I learned firsthand what the phrase “getting out of your comfort zone” really means as I flew to Israel for a two week stint as a volunteer in Sar-El (through VFI - Volunteers for Israel). My group of 18 was assigned to an IDF base near Tel Aviv, that is used to induct soldiers into the IDF. In fact, it is the first base to which every soldier in the IDF reports. Its function is to rapidly begin the process of transforming 18 year old boys and girls into soldiers. Because of that rude awakening, we learned that no veteran of the IDF remembers that base fondly.

The accommodations were hardly luxurious. On the contrary, it was pretty much like a 0-star hotel. We lived like the soldiers did. In barracks. On bunk beds. Using latrines. Hiking to/from the distant mess hall. But, that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right? And, speaking of food, it was plentiful, Kosher, and fairly tasty-especially if you like cucumbers and tomatoes.

Taking orders from our two young female soldiers - madrichot - our group’s assignment was to pack the “kit (duffle) bags” that each new soldier received during his/her processing into the army. By all accounts, our highly-motivated group set the standard for volunteer efficiency by packing more than 6,000 (!) kit bags. Picture shows some of the kit bags we packed on the first day piled in the background (I’m first row, left).

By the time we completed our tour of duty it seemed every officer on the base knew of our accomplishments, for when chatting with them we frequently heard, “Sar-El! Kol HaKavod (‘well done')   We walked tall in our IDF uniforms!

It was hard, sweaty, and at times frustrating, work. A sense of humor was an absolute necessity. Overall, the experience rewarded each of us with a well-earned pride of accomplishment knowing that we had truly provided a useful service to Israel.

I’m frequently asked if I would do it again. Yes, I would. Absolutely.