Helping out in the trenches

IVAN STEINER SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH BULLETIN

I have just finished my volunteer work through Sar El (Sherut le Yisrael) for the Israeli Defence Force (IDF). I am waiting for the bus that will take me from the military base that has been my home away from home for the last three weeks.
It has been an extraordinary experience in many ways and a real roller-coaster of emotions. It all started as soon as I arrived in Israel. My plane landed hours after the suicide bombing at the Dolphinarium in Tel-Aviv and my first Israeli experience was to share the nation's grief at the senseless loss of innocent young lives. Over the following three weeks, I had the opportunity and privilege to share every facet of life with ordinary Israeli citizens.

As a mitnadev (volunteer) in the IDF, I had a unique look at Israeli life. I donned an army uniform and, from then on, I participated in the daily life of a common soldier. I ate, worked and slept on the military base. I met conscripts and career soldiers from a variety of backgrounds who literally create a mosaic of our planet: Ethiopians, Argentineans, Ukrainians, Moroccans, Yemenites, Russians, Bukharis, Georgians and so on.

I crossed paths with the observant and the secular, the brilliant and the simple, the patriot and the disillusioned, the efficient and the disorganized, the polite and the rude, the sincere and the hypocritical, the healthy and the handicapped.
With a few, I developed special relationships. Our common Jewish background and the bond developed through the shared sweat, toil and labor, were the building blocks for bridges between us. We shared stories, ideas and feelings, and we rejoiced in the strength that we provided each other.

Daily, through the media, the soldiers experience the reactions of the world, and what they see is a hostile and hypocritical planet. Furthermore, the image that many have of Diaspora Jews is that of distant relatives who provide financial support but who are not ready to "lay it on the line when the going gets tough." For these young Israelis, the presence of this middle-aged "soldier" was a tiny, but concrete, proof that they were neither forgotten nor alone, and this made them extremely proud and happy. As for me, it validated some of the basic tenets of my existence. In case this last comment seems too obscure for some, I would simply suggest experiencing Israel through Sar El and I am sure the meaning of my words will become clear.

I must warn would-be volunteers that Sar El is not suitable for everyone. It is not a good experience for those unprepared to put in an honest day's work, nor is it suitable for those seeking honor and recognition at every step. Finally, it is not a place for those who are not ready to put up with a simple, basic lifestyle. For anyone else, it could be an experience of a lifetime. Individuals between the ages of 18 and 120, in reasonable health should consider it. Age is not a deterrent, as proven by a lady we nicknamed Malka (Queen). She is our 84-year-old volunteer role model who is back for a nine-week period, for the eighth year in a row. She is an inspiration to all of us.

Sar El is not all work and no play; on the contrary, the IDF goes out of its way to ensure that the volunteers are well looked after. Our army madrichot (counselors/guides) provided us with a variety of interesting and educational activities for the evenings - we were even taken to a ballet in Tel-Aviv. Our group had two guided tours: one to Jerusalem, Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea, and one to Caesarea and Haifa. We were also taken to Beit Hatfutsot (the Museum of the Diaspora) in Tel-Aviv and were given a tour of Neve Tzedek (Old Tel-Aviv). On the weekends, we were free to travel and, for those who needed assistance, the madrichot would arrange for reservations in hotels, hostels or set up a hospitality weekend with Israeli families.

The base commander was extremely approachable and helpful in making our lives and work environment as suitable as possible. Overall, the IDF is very appreciative of the work of the volunteers and it is clear that we do make an impact.

Sar El can be a fulfilling and inexpensive way to visit Israel. The volunteer buys the airplane ticket and the IDF provides for most of the daily needs while on the base. By the way, the food is very good and kosher too. The prospective volunteer would need sufficient funds for miscellaneous expenses and for weekends spent off the base.

Even if volunteering for the IDF is not something some people would consider, I urge the Jews of Canada to come to Israel now. Our presence here and our support are very much needed. Much to my embarrassment, the only groups I saw were Christian tourists visiting the Holy Land. The tourist industry is in dire straits and people on the streets need to feel and see our solidarity.

I had a great experience in Israel and with Sar El and I know I am not unique in this way. I urge you to come and experience Israel through Sar El. Do it for your own sake, or for your children or your grandchildren, but ultimately do it for the sake of the beautiful children of Israel who are serving and defending Israel. They deserve our full and unconditional support.

For information on Sar El, contact Canadian Volunteers for Israel, 788 Marlee Ave., Suite 315, Toronto, Ont., M6B 3K1; call 416-781-6089; e-mail [email protected]; or visit www.serve.com/CVI. n

Ivan Steiner is a professor and program director in the department of family medicine and division of emergency medicine at the University of Alberta. He completed his volunteer work last spring.

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