I was talking with a friend of mine some ago who told me about this program called Sar El which turned out to be an Israeli Defence Force's non-fundraising volunteer program. I subsequently went to our State Zionist Office to enquire as to how, who and when I could do it and immediately signed up. Although it was possible for me to join for between 2 weeks and six months, I opted for one month which enabled me too ....

1. Eat, sleep and share jokes with Israel's young soldiers.

2. Feel part of their grand efforts after participating in their Misdot (assemblies).

3. Meet fellow committed Jews from everywhere which was incredibly amusing.

4. Have terrific fun with these wonderful people by joining them on army organised tiyulim (excursions) and activities, in addition to working together.

5. Work with ammunition, supplies or perform a variety of small tasks that might sound glorious, but were boring until it was explained to me as to why it had to be done.   I really enjoyed this work knowing that it enabled the young soldiers to instead do what they've been trained to do. 

6. And believe it or not, the army boys and girls (yes, children whom are younger than my own son) were as thrilled as I was with my help.

7. Enjoy an amazing adventure.

8. And last but not least, I felt that my work helped Israel! 

You see, I felt that all of have different reasons for wanting to help or see Israel which are quite irrelevant as long as Israel benefits in the long run. Like everyone, we've all helped Israel financially or politically (supporter) or as a tourist(spectator)!  

So I write to you now as one who has completed Sar El which is also an excellent way to help our Israeli team effort straight away (as a player)! So instead of paying your hard earned money on trips and holidays, put doing a Sar El stint in your minds as an alternative and / or supplement with your chevra or even by yourself which I thoroughly enjoyed.