With South Africa behind us, we were anxious to begin the last phase of our trip- a volunteering stint with the Israeli Army (IDF). We had signed up with SAR-EL, an organization that arranges this opportunity for people around the world. Having met all their requirements, we were going to be given a work assignment at an army base somewhere in Israel. You are not told about the location or the work until you arrive in Israel, and you are placed wherever they need you. It was an exciting prospect and we hoped that it would be a good adventure. After our first week in, it has proven to be both.
We started our trip to Israel with a few days spent with Bonnie's mishpucha (cousins), who we love and enjoy being with. They were so wonderful to us, and we felt like honoured guests. What a great way to start a trip to this amazing country. If you have never gone, GO! It may well change your life. If you've been, you understand,
Our IDF experience started at the airport when we encountered the other 50-60 volunteers who would be sent to the various army bases
. There was excitement in the air, as we all wondered just what we would be doing. As it turned out, Bonnie and I were part of a group of 13 assigned to a base in Beersheba, in the southern part of the country. OK, that was a good start- no need for cold weather clothes. On the bus going to the base, people were abuzz as we began to meet each other. We were largely retirees from the US and Canada, evenly mixed between those who had never done the program and repeaters, Jews and non-Jews. There were two married couples, and the rest were individuals. Even from those early moments on the bus, it was obvious that this was going to be an amiable group. The base itself is largely scrub land, and its primary function is the storage and distribution of parts, tools and supplies used by army personnel. OK, not a glamorous assignment, but a necessary one nonetheless. We would be working in a warehouse helping inventory and prepare these materials. It was dusty and a bit gritty, so I called our group of 13 volunteers "The Dirty Bakers Dozen"
.
Upon arrival, we were given 'used and abused' uniforms and 'inducted' into the service of the IDF. This was followed by orientation by the base commander and our madrichot, the soldiers assigned to act as liaison between we civilians and the military. We started with 2 young women in their early 20s, but they were reassigned after 4 days. Their replacement was a sweet, energetic young soldier who had just achieved the rank of sergeant.
We self-selected our bunk-mates, and I lucked out, with two great guys-- one is a forensic psychologist from California and someone who shares my same warped sense of humour. He's really hilarious and keeps us laughing all day and night long. We've become good buddies. My other roomie is a Quebecker with a boisterous laugh, a joie de vivre, and the ability to fall asleep within 10 seconds of hitting the bed. It's quite impressive, really. We're all getting along famously. Likewise, Bonnie is sharing her sleeping quarters with three other women, and she reports that they are also a tight group, very friendly, respecting each others' space, with no nutbars, neurotics, or nasties among them
. So, it seems that we both got very lucky (we've heard some horror stories!). We quickly settled into a comfortable routine-- up at 6:30 for 7:30 flag-raising, a solemn affair among the soldiers and volunteers alike. Then, it's breakfast, work, lunch, work, rest period, dinner, and a short program for volunteers each evening. I've gotten into Rummy Cube with a few others, and that's been a fun diversion at night, together with lots of yakking. Bonnie's been using her evenings for R&R, and yakking with the others. We've both gotten used to sleeping apart, but it's comforting to know that it's for a limited time only. Actually, we aren't allowed any PDAs on the base, which we respect (except for a stolen nip here and there).
As for the work, it's your basic warehouse job. We spend our days moving stuff, unboxing stuff, counting stuff, reboxing stuff. It's kind of mindless, but cathartic at the same time. Luckily, we get to work together all day long, which we enjoy. It's given us time to ponder things, discuss the past, discuss the future, and to think about the world without Betty, something we still haven't completely accepted
. (In Tel Aviv, we passed a clothes shop called MISS BETTY, and I said "We certainly do").
Our 'supervisor', Uri, is a harried guy with a cellphone permanently attached to his ear. He seems to have too much on his plate, and he pretty much leaves us alone. His command of English is limited to phrases he uses a lot, which my roomie has mastered in a spot-on imitation that cracks us up every time. "You, come. Not you. You". "Not like dis, like dis", "Excuse me, excuse me" . When you hear this last phrase, you know that somebody's screwed up somewhere, and we all look to see who it is. It really is funny.
Our main interaction with the soldiers on base is at mealtimes, but it's limited. Most are young kids or officers, and they carry cellphones and weapons all the time. I put those in that order intentionally, because that seems to be their order of priority. Just reflective of their cohort, I guess. Speaking of mealtimes, we've found the food to be surprisingly good and substantial. The Israeli tradition is moderate breakfast, followed by a substantial main meal of the day at lunchtime, and a light dinner
. Vegetables are more than abundant, meat is mainly chicken, starches are tasty potatoes, rice, couscous, etc. with traditional extras like tahina and babaganosh a mainstay. It's healthy eating for the most part, and we're enjoying it.
Perhaps, I have gone into way too much detail in this blog, but for those of you interested in what life is like on an IDF base, I hope that it's been informative.
To sum up, we are enthusiastic supporters of this volunteer program, feeling like we're making a contribution, albeit small, to this glorious country. It's been such a positive experience for us, and this is only after one week. We're hoping to write a follow-up after we've concluded our assignment, and are hoping to become repeaters.
The attached pictures will give you an idea of our initial experience with the IDF and the SAR-EL program.
WE'RE IN THE ARMY NOW
Friday, March 11, 2016
Beersheba, Israel
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2025-02-15
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Myrn New Knee
2016-03-11
Even working for the Israeli army sounds terrific!!! Whatever assignments you are given, it definitely makes a difference! It's one thing less the soldiers have to worry about! So glad you had such a lovely visit with Bonnie's cousins....so nice to be with family! We wish you continued positive experiences and continued fun with the friends you have met and made! Your experiences certainly sound life-altering! Miss and love you both!!!
Cecile Lapowich
2016-03-11
What a great blog! Until you mentioned this, I had no idea one could do this, and you really are enjoying your assignments. How fun! Love the sight of the store Miss Betty and your comment! So true. My only negative comment is that the Israeli uniform is definitely NOT your colour, either of you! No disrespect intended.
Have fun and I look forward to the next entry.
rita
2016-03-11
this is an experience that I would love! It is so interesting and worthwhile. So for this experience, I'm jealous! I really want to chat more when you return. Living vicariously your experiences and adventures is fun! Hugs!
Joseph
2016-03-11
wow!
I see from one of the pictures (group of men) that the Scottish fellow (cant remember his name),but lives in Toronto,I actually bunked with him, when i did Sar-El last year at Tel-Hashomer in Tel Aviv. You may want to mention it to him.. i am sure the experience is just as great. Kol Hakavod to all you Jobniks.
sandy
2016-03-12
What an amazing opportunity. It is fun reading your blogs. Can't wait to hear all about your adventures in person. Love you both
Hope Springman
2016-03-12
What an incredible Grand Finale to your trip! Love seeing you both in Israeli uniforms and reading about this extraordinary adventure - being able to share your talents with our beloved Israel is the heart and soul of this experience! The people on this army base will be talking about you until you return! Enjoy your touring and the last part of your travels - we miss Miss Betty too! Love, Hope
Martin Novak
2016-03-13
First time writing to your blog on this trip and Vicki and I want express our deepest condolences for the loss of your dear sister and sister-in-law Betty. We never had the opportunity to meet her but we know how special she was to both of you whenever we talked about your trips to Buffalo.
As for this current blog, what an incredible experience. The extra detail you gave really gives a great picture of the overall experience. It definitely would be something I would like to do one day.
As for your other stops, I was really impressed with the entire itinerary but especially your safari and the fact that the animals came up front and centre at the lodge water hole.
Take care and enjoy your last week in Israel. Hope to see you both soon.
Jon Arnold
2016-03-28
Lovin' it, Dave and Bonnie! I so want to do this and just need to follow your blueprint. Great posts as always, wow. You guys look good in fatigues!
Jon