My Sar-El Experience

by Joseph Oulovsky
I want to tell you how much I enjoyed being in the Sar El program. My stay at the army base in Tel Ha Shomer was fabulous. I loved the work. I loved the food. I loved the people. I had a fantastic relationship with the soldiers there and all the staff. The lectures really taught me a lot of the history and politics of the Israel and made me feel like a part of the land. My eyes were opened.  I will never forget our day with you in Yafo. The trips to Jerusalem and the Dead Sea were great adventures. Ashkelon on Independence Day was something else. It was to me like watching a baby being born. The music and the atmosphere were so impacting. The feeling of independence made me think about what Israel is all about, our heritage through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

In the hospital work, the contact with the patients was even more direct. I saw myself in those survivors and saw them in me. It was like watching my parents and grandparents over again. I had good times at the hospital and my relationship with the staff there was great. I improved immensely in Russian J I even got a chance to speak German, Croatian, Serbian, Czech and even Hebrew. The staff kept getting me mixed up with Kirk Douglas. That’s the first time I had ever had that problem! J It seems that whoever I met, we shared a mutual respect and I treasure that.

The floor manager Zmira Sharon has such a good heart. I am planning to taker her up on her offer of a job for 10 years. Chaia the Director is like a rock, a great leader. They threw a beautiful going away party for me and their present is one of my favourite mementos. The soldier Ruth visited me every week, to make sure grandpa was okay. I admire her courage. It amazed me how these young girls might otherwise be young mothers at home but instead carry heavy packs defending the nation. That’s why I came to Israel, to help the brave defenders. I wouldn’t care if I slept outside and got nothing as long as I could be there to serve. Words count but the actions satisfy so much more. I am sorry not to have written to you sooner. June has been a busy month. Now that I am back home I realize I left my heart in Israel, and I will be back, God willing. I thought I belonged in Canada but when God sent me to Israel it looks like I finally caught up with my heart.

Shalom and blessings to you and all our friends there.

Much love,

Joseph Oulovsky

Canada

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