Tribalism

Renee Siegel,  told me she considered me an "honorary member of the tribe"!


                  Sar-El: A Chance to Identify in a Unique Way

                                         

            By Carrie L. Taylor        

            (edited by Stacey Miller)

My first connection with Israel was through an ICEJ tour (International Christian Embassy of Jerusalem).                                                There a fellow Canadian told me he'd been a civilian volunteer with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) - via Sar-El. The following year, I arrived on my first base, donning the uniform, living in army barracks. Now I've served a total of ten weeks on four bases, each time with superb Madrichot: soldiers who supervise international volunteers. Gisella Buehler of Switzerland observed: "The volunteers during my service came from nine different nations, French, Swiss, Finnish, Dutch, German, Hungarian, South African, Ukrainian, RussianCanadian and a big number from the United States, Jews and Christians, all united!"                                                                   Above: One of the rooms in the Sar-El barracks.  (Photo: Charles) A real sense of camaraderie developed, sharing both laughter and tears. When the news came that soldiers from our base had been injured, there was a shared grief that it happened to our own. From Sunday to Thursday we provided practical assistance: cleaning, oiling, and painting equipment; sorting and packing kit bags, protective and medical supplies; and refurbishing donated tools. As one commander explained, we were helping them re-organize after the last war, and get ready for the next one...whenever that would be. But as much as our labor was appreciated, a commander remarked that it was our presence that greatly encouraged them, knowing there are people around the world who stand with Israel.   Complementing the assignments were evening activities where we learned more about the history of the IDF, the Sar-El organization (started in 1982 by General Davidi), as well as the Hebrew language and culture. Our Madrichot even took us on educational outings, such as to Palmach Museum or Independence Hall in Tel Aviv. We ate as the soldiers ate, including lots of boiled eggs, bread with cheese spread or humus; and we drank as the soldiers drank - lots of mayim (water)! I communicated in a mixture of broken Hebrew, French, and English.  Given that some of the bases are more rustic than others, what is it that draws people of various ages and backgrounds to come alongside and support Israel this way? We've had mother and son, father and daughter, and brothers all come together. Those experiencing Sar-El for the first time meet veterans who have returned numerous times. Harry Morrow of the USA humbly remarked: "We gave so little in comparison to how much we received from the IDF."For me personally, it's the people who make Sar-El what it is; a chance to identify in a unique way with what the people of this land face. "As non-Jewish Israel supporters we were delighted that the IDF volunteer program gave us the opportunity to come and serve in a practical way. Thanks for making it possible to see your land and meet your people over a longer period than a tourist tour would have allowed," remarked Christine Reynolds and her son Timothy of New Zealand.  One of the strongest points of identification came when a Jewish brother and myself had the honor of taking a turn with the soldiers guarding the vigil candle the eve of Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day). Ned Bloom of the U.S. acknowledged the reality of army conditions, yet referred to Sar-El: "...it's the time of your life!" Another American volunteer was moved to tears of gratitude from all she's learned from her new Jewish friends.As a Christian with a strong sense of identification with the Jewish people, I was blessed when one of my barrack mates, Renee Siegel,  told me she considered me an "honorary member of the tribe"! http://www.sar-el.org/Carrie%20Taylor.html