Not the Last Word: Volunteer for Israel

FIXED ANNUITIES Volunteer for Israel!

BY KAREN & HOWARD WISEMAN

A. Kranitz Associates, inc

Alan L. Kranitz CLU, ChFC

• Principal Protection • No annual fees or commission • Tax deferred growth • Monthly life time income option • Competitive interest crediting

For inquiries of $50,000 or more call 716-932-7023

475 International Drive Suite 400 Williamsville, NY 14221

*Subject to the claims paying ability of New York State Insurance Companies

If you would like to experience Israel in an adventurous way rather than as a tourist, consider becoming a volunteer for Volunteers for Israel (VFI). VFI works with Sar El (Service to Israel) to connect people 17 years and older to Israel through volunteer service on IDF bases alongside Israeli soldiers and other volunteers from around the world. Volunteers serve for up to three weeks providing noncombat support such as packing medical supplies, repairing machinery and equipment, and maintaining the IDF bases.

We signed up for a two-week program through VFI in early summer. Before meeting at the Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, Nov.6th, we had no idea where in Israel we would be assigned. It wasn’t until we were literally on the bus did our madrichot (counselors) tell us of our upcoming whereabouts for the next two weeks. We were headed to Army base Michve Alon (MA) near the Sea of Galilee. Upon arrival, we could see the beautiful mountains surrounding us and the sea in the distance.

Once off the bus, we were shown our bunks, women first and men second on opposite sides of the base. Our spartan accommodations included an army cot with small mattress and a locker in which to store our belongings. Karen shared her bunk with four other women ranging in age from 17 to 86. They came from Australia, Israel, and the US. Howard shared his bunk with men from Finland, Poland, Canada and the US.

Our work on base either consisted of volunteers sorting and organizing supplies and uniforms in shipping containers or sorting and organizing army uniforms in the uniform office. Our day was very regimented including specific times for meals, flag raising and work. Our week ended on Thursday afternoon when we were taken by bus to Tel Aviv to celebrate Shabbat and return to base on Sunday. The food was delicious and reflected typical Mediterranean, Israeli cuisine. All meals observed the laws of kashruth.

Michve Alon is an educational army base rather than strategic and militaristic. It is geared for chadash

Karen & Howard Wiseman volunteering in Israel at Michve Alon Army Base

olim, new arrivals and also Druizim and Bedouins. For each of these groups, they stay a total of three months to receive basic training and a two- month Ulpan to improve their Hebrew language skills. MA also welcomes young people who did not finish their high school education. They receive intensive classes for five months in order to complete the required educational coursework. MA gives them a fresh start for life where they are treated without judgement and accepted as equals with their peers. The Army works very hard to integrate them into Army society. Sometimes, the Army is considered the place of last resort for youngsters who have had challenging experiences in their civilian lives. There are mental health counselors available all the time to help everyone meet their goals. After their short time at MA, they receive orders to go to a regular military base wherever there is a need in the IDF.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of Israeli-born Arabs who have signed up, and they too start off at MA. More Haredi are entering the Army as well and they too are at MA because they become pariahs in their own community.

Speaking of the soldiers, they were a real highlight of the experience on base. Since most of them are Chadash Olim, they are from countries all over the world, but so young! Many of these kids are as young as 19, 20 and 21, away from their families for up to two years for women, two years, 8 months

for men. Most of them are classified as Lone Soldiers as they do not have immediate family in Israel. Our three madrichot, all Lone Soldiers hailed from Charleston, SC, Paris, France and Serbia. In the VFI literature, we are encouraged to sit with the kids during meal time so they can practice their English and we can get to know them. It also gave us the opportunity to hear their passion and drive to make Israel a home of peace.

The adventure had many pros and cons for both of us. To be sure, one of the major highlights was the opportunity to talk to the young soldiers. One gets a better understanding of the country when speaking and listening to the young people serving. They revealed their love and loyalty to Israel and their commitment to protect the country at all costs. The gratitude they expressed to us was palpable and we thought maybe this is our way of performing tikkun olam to a country we love as well.

Karen and Howard Wiseman are active retirees who devote time, energy and treasure to many tikkun olam opportunities in WNY.