As many of you know, I participate in the Sar-El Program which involves work on an army base in Israel. I just finished three weeks of volunteer work on the only base that handles medical supplies for the entire Israeli army.
I packed bags for field surgeons and combat medics and also for international emergencies where Israel sets up field hospitals such as in Haiti during the past earthquake.
I also unloaded bags in order to check items for expiration dates before restocking. Each backpack bag contains over 70 items located in specific pockets. The bag weighs nearly 50 pounds when closed and carried. You can see me in the attached picture trying to move with this bag on my back. It was not easy. The work could get exhausting but it was certainly for a good cause.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the Sar-El Program, then please contact me.
It is an opportunity to work, eat and sleep side-by-side with volunteers from all over the world while providing assistance to the Israeli army. By the way, my group of 25 volunteers ranged in age from 20 to nearly 80 years.
It has truly been a wonderful experience that has given me a greater connection to Israel.
P.S. As an added bonus, we were able to watch last week’s Patriots game live on the army base, though it did start at 3:30 in the morning.
