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January 20, 2006
IDF Diary - Week 2, Day 3
Rona and Mark volunteered for two weeks with Sar-El in Israel, assisting the IDF. Kesher Talk is publishing Rona's diary. All photos posted here are copyrighted by Mark Kempton.
You can view the whole series in the "Good News From Israel" category; look for "IDF Diary" in the title.
Week 1 , Day 1 is here.
Week 1 , Day 2 is here.
Week 1 , Day 3 is here.
Week 1 , Day 4 is here.
Week 1 , Day 5 is here.
Week 2 , Day 1 is here.
Week 2 , Day 2 is here.
With the two armed madrihhot as our security guards, and Eldad (the historian) as our guide, we had a wonderful trip today. If part of the aim is to make sure we volunteers know that we are appreciated, Sar-El succeeded in making us feel this by inviting us for this day off.
By now I've gotten to know more about my fellow volunteers. Several are accomplished, wonderful people with whom I hope to keep in touch. Of the eight non-Jewish volunteers, I've learned that at least five are here with the Israel Defense Force because of empathy for Israel born out of religious conviction. They are from various parts of the spectrum of Christian belief, but equally all love this country. I'm not sure about specifics about the others.
As a Jew who's been to Israel many times before, I am moved by the fact that these gentiles are giving of themselves and share my feeling that Sar-El is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Israel's existence. It is far more fulfilling to me as a supporter of Israel to donate time and effort in this case, rather than buying an Israel bond or a certificate to plant trees. I'd bet that feeling of purpose explains why people spend their precious vacation time and buy airline tickets to Israel for this experience over and over again despite the basic living conditions and the possibility of being assigned seemingly mundane (yet essential) tasks.
Judith | 01/20/06 at 12:06 AM | Categories: - Good news from Israel
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