Sar El Canadian Volunteers For Israel (CVFI) 2018

It was love at first sight! This is what I said to myself when I was on the plane and landed at Ben Gurion International Airport on Sunday morning February 25, 2018. Israel is an interesting country. I wondered why so many Arab countries doesn’t like Israel. The land is so beautiful, unique and rich in natural resources. The people are so friendly and respectful. Volunteering in Sar-El is a privilege and unexpected moment in my life. I didn’t realize end up coming to Israel doing some volunteer work inside the Israel Defense Forces base sponsored by Sar-El. When I was in the Philippines 24 years ago before immigrating to Canada sponsored by my fiancée and now my wife, Gloria. I’m dreaming to visit and explore the land of Israel to see the beauty of the Promise Land. The LORD is good and let me see, walk, and experience the land of Israel. Working with different background of people around the world give me an open mind and acceptance to different cultures of the world. I love the idea and program of Sar-El encouraging people around the world to come and visit Israel to give their precious time and effort to help in the bases of the IDF. Some people told me in Canada that it is not safe to go to Israel because of the enemies around them and the suicide bombing issue. Presently, we haven’t heard any of those incidents happen somewhere in Israel. But I told them that remember Israel is the only democratic country in the Middle East surrounded by the Arab countries. Israel is safe and secure small country with the population of 8.6 million Israeli. The Israeli government is trying to protect their citizens, civilians, and visitors from all over the world over their enemies. I feel safe around them. Nothing to worry about someone atttacking you and hurt you. Israeli soldiers are everywhere in Israel. Working inside the warehouse base somewhere in Tel Aviv is so encouraging to me because I saw how the young soldiers work hard, the civilian Israeli workers, and Sar-El volunteers work together for one goal to support and maintain the freedom we enjoy in Israel through this endeavour. I was assigned to the Medical Supplies department area doing some sorting, packing boxes, pulling skids, and different tasks. I almost didn’t make it because I injured my right wrist in my workplace here in Toronto a week before my Sar-El schedule program. I’m worried that my injured right wrist will be worst but I manage my self not to push too much while I’m doing my work inside the base. I have a change to see some teenagers with disabilities who didn’t speak English and I have a hard time understanding talking with them in Hebrew. They always look at me because I am the only Filipino-Canadian in our group. Everyone inside the base work hard and I didn’t see people chatting while working. It is a different place and they are so focus and dedicated to their work. Our soldier guide (Madricha) told us that if we are not comfortable working in our designated department we can suggest to her to move us in other department and location. They are so understandable and considerate. I highly recommend to any one to come and volunteer to Israel with Sar-El. I have learned so much when I was there for my three weeks program. Understanding the culture, knowing the people, interacting with them and learn about the Israel army. I’m also impressed with the older volunteers from France, U.S. Hungary, and Canada. Age is not the issue to come and volunteer to Israel. There is a place for everyone who wants to do some good and meaningful work in Israel. Israel and the Israel Defense Forces need our help in terms of man power, workers, and volunteers inside the logistic base. There are so much work to do and it is never end. It is a godly and humankind effort to give in a different way. I didn’t expect to see Pamela Lazarus (coordinator) visiting us inside the base and she gave her extra time to help us sorting medical supplies and take pictures with us. It is a nice feeling to see leaders connecting with the volunteers and I also meet the Sar-El CEO and President who come personally to greet and welcome us to the base and to the program. I feel the importance of this endeavour to the IDF and the country to boost the economy, to strengthen the morale of the soldiers, fosters new friendships and creates ambassadors of goodwill for Israel. For the three weeks I have been there volunteering inside the IDF warehouse base, I would say that this is meaningful and worthwhile. I’m planning to come back again somewhere in April-May of 2019 for my second Sar-El volunteer program. I’m looking forward to meet and see different people around the world working side by side in honour of our beloved the State of Israel and the Israel Defense Forces. Again thank you so much Sar-El for accepting me to this program and more power to all of you. Special thank you to Vera Weisz. God Bless you all! Shalom! [if !supportLineBreakNewLine] [endif]