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March 8, 2002
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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