Sar-El Volunteers for Israel

We get so many great letters and e-mails from our volunteers around the world that we just had to share some of their comments.

Had a great trip with Sar-El. Hope to do it again soon in 2012 if you will have me back!

Pete Emms

My Sar-El trip was very fulfilling, and I am excited to return to do some more work!

Douglas Fenn

I enjoyed and appreciated my time with Sar-El. It was one of the most satisfying things I have ever done in my life. It was exponentially more than I had anticipated. Everyone was so kind to us, and quite appreciative, too. Such irony when we all appreciate those in the IDF and Sar-El. Thank you so much for the opportunity to participate in something so beyond what I ever imagined being able to participate in in the first place. You will see me again, and I will be a huge advocate for Sar-El, you can be sure of this.

Ken Whitmire

I had a very good experience in Beer Sheva. The work was good and I feel we accomplished something; the madrichot and commanders we worked for were great; the group of volunteers were a good mix and we worked and "played" well together. I am already looking forward to next year.

Hildegard

I have just completed a 15 day program, which was spent at (a base) refurbishing radio equipment. Our group of 15 was varied in age and country of origin. There was a gentleman there aged 71 for whom this was his 9th program. It was my second time in Israel, my first was working on a Kibbutz in 1987. I opted for the program as it seemed a better way to see Israel and understand the culture far better than passing through as a tourist. I was also able to make a positive contribution while I was there.

From the very start, we bonded as a group and there was hardly a moment
that passed when we were not laughing at a joke one of the group had
made about something. Our Madrichot were Maytal Miller and Tehilla Weiss. I could tell from the start that they had volunteered for the job, as they were happy,
full of life and good humored.

I have a few friends interested in volunteering next year and will
definitely recommend the program to them.

Steve Martin

[I just wanted to thank the VFI and] Sar-El for giving me the opportunity to join this volunteer program; it truly changed my life. This program has opened my eyes to a world that I never even thought existed. A world where men and women of all ages come together with a single purpose: to volunteer and work for the state of Israel and its Defense Forces.

I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to volunteer at my young age of 16. The intent of volunteering for a total of 3 weeks quickly escalated to a total of 7 weeks. Every time I finished a 3 week program, I simply could not part from it. It had become a part of my life, a part of which made me smile every morning as I got ready for the daily flag-raising.

For anyone considering joining this program: do not hesitate one bit. This volunteer program is rewarding in more than just one way. You make friends that will last you a life time, you are able to work along side Israeli soldiers, and most importantly, the work you contribute to the IDF is valued more than one can imagine.

This program has affected me in such a positive way that it even helped spark the Israeli inside me. After being immersed among army life and the pride of working for my country, I am seriously considering returning back to my home and serving in the IDF, in the hopes of one day being a madricha for the most amazing, satisfying, and rewarding program I could of have ever joined: the VFI/Sar-El program.

Thank you again... [for the] best program EVER!

Ariela Nijamkin

(VFI/Sar-El volunteer from June 12-Aug 4)

[I just wanted to say] that I am so grateful for my times in Sar-El. Not only did I make a connection with Israel that can't be made any other way - but I also met some incredible people along the way.

It's true that "Army Buddies" are life-long friends and I can attest to that. I am hosting yet another Sar-El buddy this weekend. She comes from the States and is here for two weeks. We'll have a chance to re-connect face-to-face and enjoy being together - talking about Sar-El and having fun. I have had the incredible joy of having many friends from Sar-El in our home over the past four years. If I hadn't done two times of service with Sar-El I would never have met these people.

My heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in getting people into Sar-El. My world is a bigger, richer, more fruitful place because of you and Sar-El.

Thanks.

Nurit

Volunteering in Sar-El was a wonderful experience, The people I worked with were from many different countries and backgrounds but we shared a common bond of love and support for Israel, they are friends I will treasure.

Our guides were magnificent!!! (thanks Ruthie & Abigail) They made every effort to make us welcome and connected with current events from the Middle East and from home and taught us so much about the nation of Israel, both it's rebirth and modern life in the land.

Volunteering in Sar-El is a great way to actively support Israel and to connect with the young people that give of their youth to protect this country. I'd like to give a special thanks to [Sar-El's Australian representative] David Samson who supported me every step of the way. This program truly is a unique and special experience, I would highly recommend it.

Suzi

28yrs old

Adelaide

Thanks so much for the privilege to volunteer. All pieces of our time were super, meals best out of the three times we've served. Accommodation was good, and the soldiers did a very good job in keeping our mess clean.

[Our madrichot] Noa and Natalie did much more that was expected .

Hope to come again.

Douglas & Beverly Chambers

I want to thank you for placing me with such a fantastic group of people and terrific Madrichot. Each person added so much to the group. I truly enjoyed the program, as well as working in the machsan with Moshiach.

Looking forward to doing Sar-El again in the future.

Leah Weinberger

The people, the work, the opportunity to better understand Israel and myself was and still is a part of me. Hopefully as life unfolds, another program will be possible in the future... and as my French mother-in-law says "Si Dieu Veux," (If God Wants).

Harry Siegel

I enjoyed very much working with the other volunteers. It was rewarding work as I felt that our efforts were really appreciated. The personnel appreciated our work and was very kind to us.

I look forward to returning to the program.

Shalom,

Elisheva

Hello and thank you so much! It was my Finnish friend's first time and she said she will definitely come back to do Sar-El. I dream about Israel every night and when I wake up I don't know where am I.

Greetings from Finland.

Jaana Nurminen