SAR-EL TRIP:  Sept. 2006

I usually travel to Israel twice a year and join the Sar-El program for two to three weeks.  This summer I felt a need to return after the war.  I arrived in Israel after a fourteen hour flight the first week in September.  Pamela sent us from the airport in an army van to a base that I did not know existed.  The army base for reserve soldiers entering active duty was out in the hills.  Our madricha told us to take our suitcases to our tents with dirt floors (about two blocks away) and change into our work uniforms and report to our work place in less than half an hour.  Our work place was a warehouse where we passed out equipment to incoming reserve soldiers.  We had fun fitting them with helmets; some soldiers were bald, and others had enough hair for three people.  Our group branched out to take on other jobs on base, including working in the kitchen, cleaning out storage areas, and Ken, Bob and Mark became famous on base for painting all the latrines. One day the Blood Mobile Unit arrived on base, and five of our volunteers took time off from work to donate blood for Israel.  Our group, starting out with sixteen volunteers, were from USA, Canada, UK, Mexico City, and Switzerland.  Many of the volunteers were in the Sar-El program for the first time, and put their whole effort into their work.  Also on base where several mentally challenged men who were volunteers giving their best for Israel.  General Davidi paid us a visit one morning.  We were honored that he had traveled a long distance to see us.  Since the reserve soldiers slept also in tents and ate with us in the dinning hall, we enjoyed their fellowship and they told us many times how much they appreciated us coming to Israel to help them.  Since our tents where near the firing range, we could hear gun fire into the night.  We were greeted by a few scorpions who visited our tents.  Our tour on this base was difficult at times;  however, it was very meaningful for us to be in Israel supporting the Israeli people.  

Wesley  Walker  MD

by Wesley Walker

I was a Volunteer with Ruth Rennie's Group from the U.S.A. We were at Matzrap April and May of 2004. There were 34 Volunteers from the four corners of America. We also had two Volunteers from Germany. More first timers were in this group as opposed to my past experiences. Our group was comprised of Volunteers of all ages and from various backgrounds. We took in stride the cramped sleeping quarters, dusty warehouses, oversized uniforms and cleaning duties in the latrine and shower stalls. We could also add the snoring roommates and our sore backs to the fond memories. Our supervisors were again happy to see us and we picked up right where we had left off in the friendship department. As a physician, I enjoyed sorting and packing medical supplies. I have personally bonded with many of the young soldiers over the past few years and have observed with pride as they ascend in rank and responsibility. The Wednesday Lady Volunteers (as I call them) came from areas around Matzrap and brought our Volunteers baked goodies from their kitchens. Each year we have enjoyed their company. From time to time some of our Volunteers had minor ailments and I accompanied them to the base dispensary. The doctors there treated our Volunteers with care, concern and went out of their way to help us. It was an honor for me to join with the base personnel in observing Yom Hashoah and Yom HaZikaron. Our group was very privileged to hear the various officers who had taken time to visit and speak with us. We especially enjoyed General and Mrs. Aharon Davidi's visits. The three weeks ended too soon and I was sad to leave the many friendships that had been made. I can hardly wait to return to the Sar-El program as I consider Israel my second home!!!!!