Medical base experience exceeds expectationsDAVID ROJAS
In May, I read in the Jerusalem Post that volunteers were needed in Israel. The article was about the program Volunteers for Israel, which brings volunteers from all over the world to Israel Defense Forces army bases for two to three weeks. Volunteers' responsibilities include doing supply inventories, repairing equipment, working in hospitals or participating in archaeological digs. We also had a chance to take part in lectures and guided tours, and we had weekends free for touring the country. The program promised adventure, friendship and cultural immersion, while contributing to Israeli security and the economy. Reactions from my Jewish and non-Jewish friends and co-workers were similar and predictable: "You are going where? Are you crazy? Don't ride any buses. Don't wear a kipah (yarmulke)." I thought: If people there are getting killed and still having faith and living a Jewish lifestyle, then I'm going, and I'll do my best to help and learn. When I arrived in Israel, I walked to the car rental area and met a few people who were also part of the Volunteers for Israel program. We were all filled with anticipation and excitement and forgot how tired we were. As other volunteers straggled over and introduced themselves, we all became fast friends. Soon a young woman soldier arrived, our madricha (guide). She took us to a medical supply army base near Tel Aviv. In our rooms was a note from the base commander: "Welcome to Israel ... Your work is very important to our country and I am very thankful for your being here. I wish you a wonderful stay." For the next three weeks, sporting IDF uniforms, we sorted and packed medical kits for the front lines and emergency warehouses. We lived, worked and ate with Israeli soldiers. My four-week stay in Israel was everything it promised to be. I was part of a group of 50 people from all over the world: Canada, South Africa, Australia, Holland, Brazil and of course, the United States. Participants came from all walks of life: teachers, social workers, doctors, attorneys, bus drivers, taxi drivers, musicians, artists, professors and engineers. There were seasoned volunteers and individuals on their first trip to Israel, people not knowing a word of Hebrew or a soul in Israel and those thinking of making aliyah. But what everyone had in common was an enthusiasm and love for the land of Israel. What I tried to give to Israel was nothing compared to what Israel gave to me. |
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