A Family journeys to Israel Via Sar-El

 By Herman and Livya

Can you imagine anything better than a real adventure with the nearly grown daughter before she will be  leaving the house?

Motivated by a newspaper article, we signed up as volunteers for the Israeli army, through Sar-El. Though we had a hot August with temperatures around 35 ° C (95°F), and despite the  humidity, given the many enriching experiences we say: "We had a great time!"

5,000 people from all over the world sign up for this unarmed service: Israel provides food and shelter. Our activities related to the medical field in a medical center based in the center of country.

After we explained our plan to the German Sar-El representative in Frankfurt, we arrived in August for 3 weeks in Israel. Full of excitement we met our fellow volunteers from USA, Canada (one participant even came from the far north of the Northern Territories and it took several days until his plane landed in Tel Aviv.)

What inspired us was the atmosphere and the calmness with which Israel addresses the major and minor problems. Even if Israel must still live - almost exclusively – with hostile populations around, we witnessed not only a lot of professionalism, but also the piece of basic trust that makes
the successful development of the State of Israel possible.

We worked every day for around  6 to 8 hours, interrupted by a lunch that did  not always arouse enthusiasm. Immediately next to the workshops were our accommodations - strictly segregated by sex, usually with 5-6 beds and fortunately, the much-needed air conditioning in summer. Even if the living and sanitary conditions were very basic, and even if many participants - because of their professional position in other situations were used to  “much better,” we were able to take on the relaxed and open atmosphere around us.

Guided by the two “leaders” of the army, the "madrichot" Rebecca, Maya and in the last week Noam, we got - after work - insights into social and historical aspects of Israel. Here we could have perhaps demanded more, because right after the mechanical work in the workshops a “work of the head" would have [been greatly appreciated.]

Whoever wanted to could participate in a Hebrew course. It was offered by a language teacher in a fun and varied way.

A major highlight [of our tour of duty] were the two trips: the army invited us to visit Jerusalem for a whole day, and on a second day, we got to know the  distinctive and historical neighborhoods of Tel Aviv, such as Neve Tzedek.

Those  who found the narrowness and simplicity a little too much were able to "recover" over the weekend with something more comfortable - the participants organize their own trips  throughout the country on the weekend, many also stayed at the free soldier's home in Tel Aviv, where housing and food was free, and where they were free to "chill out" on the beaches of Tel Aviv.

Impressions of a country with its dynamism, admiration for the economic upturn, for the openness, how people  deal with the social and military problems, these were our “souvenirs” to bring home.

The country has developed considerably, and unlike Germany, there were hardly "moaners and depression" about the general situation ... Instead, before we flew home there was in Tel Aviv  a "demo" to lower prices, which took place in a completely relaxed atmosphere. [Around] 450,000  Israelis were on their feet until late into the night even though the next day everyone had to work or to school / college.

Hoping we will get back to Sar-El in a year's time.