You Said It
Helping fight the Corona
Madrichot have become volunteers in the activity dedicated to helping fight the Corona.
Volunteer activities
After returning from my base, I wrote this brief article and it is published today on Times of Israel
An exciting meeting
After returning from my base, I wrote this brief article and it is published today on Times of Israel
A visit in archaeological site
After returning from my base, I wrote this brief article and it is published today on Times of Israel
Celebrating Tu Bishvat
After returning from my base, I wrote this brief article and it is published today on Times of Israel
Memorial project
After returning from my base, I wrote this brief article and it is published today on Times of Israel
Special idea in the base
After returning from my base, I wrote this brief article and it is published today on Times of Israel
Beautiful feedback
To: Nefesh bNefesh Tlv, [email protected], [email protected] From: Ilana Dreyer Date: 4 June, 2019 Re: SarEl Volunteer program, through
Some Thoughts
After returning from my base, I wrote this brief article and it is published today on Times of Israel
Alicia C.
My experience at Sar El was outstanding.I really felt needed and met great people from all over the world.Each of us had something to share .Each one from a different background,different countries,different religions,different personal own worlds.
Mitch
I want to tell you that I had the most fabulous experience of my life at [Sar-El]. They told us that we saved the Army over 165,000 shekels ($45,000) [with] all of our free labor.
Jerry F.
This experience [with Sar-El] was unlike anything I could dream or imagine: I worked with the Israel Defense Forces about ten miles south of Tel Aviv. We worked in warehouses packing, folding, wrapping, and counting field gear, alongside soldiers. We ate, worked, and slept on the base… I issue you the challenge to give of your time and talents to Sar El and the IDF!
Alyson
It is with deep gratitude that I write to thank you for opportunity to have served as a volunteer in Sar El from July 19-24th of this year. From the moment I met you and the group at the airport and saw your organization and passion, to being placed in the excellent care of the madrichot Ellen and Simcha, and having completed meaningful work at the army base- the experience was incredible. I feel a deep sense of pride and accomplishment in being helpful to the IDF and to Israel and I have made wonderful friends as a result.
Ellen
OMG how great were those 3 weeks – non can compare – our wonderful group of 15, Lea with her enthusiasm and true love of her adopted country and the incredible experience of going to those border bases and meeting those brave, beautiful souls.
Sylvia and Jack Bordan
We are long-time Sar-El volunteers – regularly since 1989. That’s a lotof IDF base experience under our belts.We read the website letters with a mix of envy, and nostalgia. Our age now limits on-base activity to less active tasks but nostalgia will have to do.
Fabrizio, Italy
I spent three fantastic weeks in Zahal, with a wonderful group! I was the only Italian, but it was like feeling at home. Sometimes the work was very hard and, as they told us, we were not in a hotel. But just for these reasons my experience was greater.
Mark
I wanted to let you know that I had an incredible experience with the [Sar-El] group… The soldiers on the base were very welcoming…and I will never forget my experience. It has made a lasting impression on my life and I have a much deeper bond with Israel and her people. The other members of my volunteer group were great as well and I have formed lasting connections with them also.
Yegal
What is so different about Zahal ?Normally we think of faceless soldiers, Based in nameless bases,Conducting practice maneuvers,And fighting for undefined fuzzy issues.But, who makes up the Zahal Army ??
Yegal
Well…this group has gotten as tight as can be. Tighter than sardines in a can.Tighter than those two soldiers hugging in the background. Jacqui and Susan are best friends. They are organizing a get together in Philly for Bob, Glenn, David Finger, Ed & friends.
Joel
Greetings from Brazil!It has been a few great months after I have returned home…, but I can honestly say that I have not been the same after I have participated on Sar-El. Serving the soldiers and Israel gave me am immense sense of responsibility to share with everybody the truth and beauty about Israel.
Kristian
I have successfully returned home to Bulgaria. I am writing to say A BIG THANK YOU to you, the madrichot and everybody at Sar-El.
Aron K.
Just a little note of appreciation and thanks.I’m not sure how much of an impact my contribution had on the Sar-El program and the IDF.But what I am sure of is, the enormous positive influence Sar-El had on me as an individual.
Mark B.
I volunteered on the IDF Medical Supplies Center during my time on Sar-El. My experience there gave me a deeper appreciation of Israel and Israeli society. It was on Sar-El where I met volunteers from all over the world who came to the country and give their time and energy to serve Israel, and I realized how many people care about Israel.
Corey
I did a five week program. I was at three different bases and had a great time at each one. Living conditions were a little rough a couple of times but no problem, we were there to help!
Arto
[The] hospitality was perfect!For three weeks we got; accommodation, food, evening activities, excursion to the IDF museum, transportation in the end of the week to the Sar-El hostel, BBQ evening base, certificates.
Adelheid
[I wanted to say] thank you. These two small words say a lot.Thank you for waiting for me at the airport. I have never seen such a crowd; hundreds of people in queue for the passport control and it never seemed to end. Thank you for your warm welcome, and thank you for the beautiful orange Sar-El beret.
Aleksey
First of all, I want to express my highest gratitude to you for my first fantastic Sar-El experience. The organization of volunteer teams work and accommodation was above all praise. I always feel a mysterious attraction to Israel. Now with the help Sar-El and you, I have got a real chance to meet Israel and the Israeli people. To say it in a romantic way, I felt in love with Israel.
Rafael Costa Rica
I was born in Costa Rica in 1960, a country without an army since 1948, although with police forces guarantee internal order and the welfare of citizens. {Therefore it} is very difficult for me, almost impossible, to have a true idea of what is a Defense Army. The opportunity I had this April 2018, to volunteer in Sar-El, allowed me to personally share with Sar-El personnel, soldiers and staff, both men and women, who showed me not only the administrative and organizational part, but also the human part of the Army.
Stuart Palmer
I was privileged to meet yet another group of volunteers this week, most of whom have now joined our mailing list. This group, from USA, Canada,, Holland, Sweden, Hungary and South Africa were very lively after their days work on the army base.
Bennalice K.
… In 2013 I went to Cuba, I went to a restaurant and I took pictures of the writings that were on the ceiling, I found this one that I loved, [it] said ISRAEL and I knew it was not a coincidence, it was rather a sign Where I should go.
Beth F.
What a wonderful experience I had volunteering for Sar El!Thanks for all you did to make everything go smoothly.
Andreas
I want to thank you for the opportunity you gave me for this wonderful experience. I enjoyed every second of it and it far exceeded my expectations, I really enjoyed the work and the relationships I formed aside from the satisfaction of serving the country.Wearing a uniform and working in an Israeli base made me very proud.I feel also by serving I do it for my grandmother on my father’s side who unfortunately didn’t get to see the birth of the country as she perished in WWII.
Alessandro
It is the seventh time I come to Israel to carry out my brief annual mission. I remember the first time in 2012 I did not know a word of English and I found myself at home! While now with the English … forget it! (luckily there is the translator on the phone). What matters most is that every time I’m more and more proud to come to you on military bases.
Danny
I have to admit, [I was] very anxious meeting at Lod International Airport with all the other volunteers. That morning amongst, I believe hundreds of volunteers, went so well with your clear communication and instructions to us all. Then we were on our way with not only my other nine volunteers to the base, but other volunteers to other Army bases.