Volunteering for Israel

By Barbara Baker

Time and again, since returning from her stint as a volunteer in Israel, Barbara Baker, a grandmother of nine and former president of the AMIT South Shore Chapter, has been asked whether or not she enjoyed her trip. Her answer, which she never tires of repeating, is a resounding yes! Take note, however, that this is not a simple yes. This was an experience unlike any other she has ever had and according to Mrs. Baker, a resident of Lawrence, New York, and the mother of four, "It was gratifying, it was rewarding, and it was so much more meaningful than staying at the most beautiful hotel."

Here is Barbara's story, reprinted with permission from Amit Magazine  

When I first heard, in early 2002, that there was a great need for volunteers, I felt I had to do something.  However, like many others, I had no idea where to start. Through a friend of my son's, I learned about Volunteers for Israel, an organization known as Sar-El in Israel.

Once in Israel …

One by one, our names were called and attendance was taken. It was only then that we were informed of our individual destinations - mine was an army base called Julis in southern Israel. This base mainly provided service for tanks, weapons, trucks and vehicles, all of which arrived at the base in need of repair.  They were either rebuilt or used for spare parts. During my stay, I witnessed tanks from World War II, as well as ones used in the Sinai Desert, become new again. 

The first evening after dinner, we gathered in what was to be our meeting room. Seated in a circle, we introduced ourselves and explained why we had come. Each member of the group said the same thing, using different words - we came to help, because we wanted to do something for Israel. 

Breakfast was promptly at seven in the morning, followed by a flag raising ceremony at 7:40am. One morning, I was one of the volunteers chosen to raise the flag – our Israeli flag. It was an unforgettable moment for me.  

The spirit at our base was enthusiastic - and catchy. I was privileged to volunteer alongside a group of very special people. They hailed from England, France, Scotland, Finland, South America, South Africa and many other countries.  They came from all walks of life - businessmen, professionals, teachers, students, couples, singles, people of all ages.  It was a bonding experience, one that allowed us to become the cohesive group that we were.  Many volunteers still keep in touch via e-mail. 

The gratitude on the part of the enlisted soldiers, as well as the officers, was humbling. Over and over, these soldiers said that because of us, and others like us, millions of shekels were saved, and many soldiers were redeployed elsewhere or allowed to go home for a few days.  An added personal bonus was the fact that my son and then 25-year-old grandson had arrived to join me during the second week. And so there were three generations working together - and I must say, they made quite a fuss over us.  Would I go again?  I certainly hope so; and I also hope that many others will join the ranks of volunteers.  Let our families and friends in Israel know that their battle is our battle, and that they are not alone. 

 Barbara Baker