Travel Log

by Jim Chandler

Jim Chandler has volunteered with Sar-El two separate times for a total several months during the past year. Hopefully he will be returning to Israel in a few weeks as a new citizen. We at Sar-El feel proud that we were a part of his experience & helped him in some way to achieve his goal. This is his last letter that he wrote home as a Sar-El volunteer.

March 14, 2004

Dear Family & Friends,

This is my last travel log from Israel for this four month span and it's been an experience that can't be summarized by this email alone.  I have lived an worked with Israeli soldiers for four months within a years span, gotten to know some of their aspirations and fears about the future of this small land and tried to put my own feelings in perspective.  I was able to travel with the help of some good friends and see much of the country and discover the rich diversity of terrain and people and get to know what Israeli's feel about this land.  There are opinions as varied as your own as to what should be done to solve the long-standing terrorist and political war that has been continuing and I have my own opinion as well.  Last week I wrote a few notes that I will post as follows:

Although it seems farfetched to come to Israel as an immigrant from a wealthy western country, I am drawn to this land.  I have made friends with a few kind Israeli's that have taken me in and I know I will make it here.  My Hebrew at this time is the most basic of phrases and badly pronounced, but I persevere and know I will master spoken and written Hebrew.  The topsy-turvy character of Israel and it's people should leave a person to question the appeal to live here as a Jew, but there is a fascination and attraction that goes beyond the biblical reasons to move here.  I am attracted to living in a place where you must struggle everyday to earn a living and stay sane while the world seems opposed to the existence of Israel.  World leaders and the government here seem indifferent to keeping this country in a contiguous state, but I believe it is vital to build and remain in this land as Jews to keep our ancient birthright and secure our heritage for the children of future generations.  To struggle here is a G_d given birthright that is offered to me and I believe it is what I am meant to do.  The fabric of my soul beacons me to live here as a Jew.'

Today it is Sunday (Yom Rishon) the first day of the week and I have a little packing to do before leaving early tomorrow morning and the time has gone quickly, yet slow enough to get a feeling for this ancient land that was promised to our forefathers and I believe it is the Holy land.  I went to the synagogue yesterday and still know only a little, but know this is how I have accepted Judaism, a little at a time.  I am not the most observant Jew, but feel comfortable with where I'm at, at this time.  Looking out over the Judean landscape, the hills green from winter rains I try to imagine our ancient forefathers gazing out over the same hills, seeing the same stars and praying to our G_d for understanding, it is something that can't be experienced from a picture or movie.  The people of this land have the same aspirations as other people, to provide for their families and live as free people and believe in what they wish.  Some people are quite religious and many are not, this is the complex nature of Israel and its people.  I find this a complex country that needs support, but must be able to stand on its own and I believe that I'll be able to be a positive addition here.  I hope some of you will ask me questions, engage me in dialog and discover your own connection to this land?  Best wishes and hoping this finds you and your families well.

Shalom,

Jim