A mitzvah for YOU and Israel Israel

A mitzvah for YOU & ISRAEL

Sue Adatto (far left) and friends

PHOTO COURTESY OF VOLUNTEERS FOR ISRAEL

By Mindy Franklin

If you want a unique vacation, one which is both fun and altruistic, try your hand at volunteering with Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for a week or more. While no combat is involved, you will need to bring your smile and positive attitude. You’ll travel 6,782 miles to assist Israel’s military with tasks like packing medical kits – to be used for emergencies in any country – and organizing equipment with people from all around the world on an IDF base. Volunteering is linked to improved quality of life, stronger social networks, increased levels of physical activity and lower mortality rates. Volunteering also contributes to healthy aging by enhancing life satisfaction and well-being and giving one a sense of purpose, selfconfidence and personal growth. Volunteers range in age from 16 to 90 years old. Sue Adatto, a community leader and activist involved with pro-Israel politics and the Greater Phoenix Jewish Film festival, has volunteered eight times. “Volunteers for Israel (https://vfi-usa.org) is an

extraordinary opportunity to help our Jewish homeland by volunteering with the Israel Defense Forces,” Sue said, “and it is my all-time favorite way of giving. "I started going with my high-school age daughter in 2010 because she wanted an Israeli experience that was different than a youth group trip. I needed to go with her because on weekends we have to leave the base. “After I came home, I immediately looked for the following year’s schedule. I couldn’t wait to get that feeling of helping our Jewish homeland by volunteering with the IDF. The assorted tasks I did were things like cleaning the inside of a tank, painting lines on the roads inside the base, painting officers’ quarters and barracks. “Other activities were folding maps for the tank drivers, sorting tools, separating shells from live munitions, cleaning gas masks and checking tents to make sure there are no holes. In addition, we packed warrior bags with updated medical and other supplies for different tasks. The IDF is helping with disasters around the world, and taking care of soldiers and civilians who may have been wounded in Israel. “The day didn’t stop at 4 p.m., as in the evenings we also had activities. We learned about all aspects of Israel and the different sections of the IDF. We learned some important words in Hebrew, as well, to help us navigate around Israel while we were staying there. “This wonderful experience, also known for me as ‘Adult Summer Camp,’ has taught me so much about the ‘inner workings’ of the IDF life and how integral it is in Israeli life. This experience has also taught me how to let go of everything at home.” Sue is in her 50s, but seniors make up the majority of the volunteers. Don’t let that fool you, however. Seniors are a more active and fit bunch now than 20 years ago. Bernie Friedman is 78 and still working as a U.S. District Judge. He has traveled to Israel numerous times, taking many people with him, including his family, secretary, law clerks and friends, many who weren’t Jewish. Beginning in October 2012, he started combining his vacations to Israel with volunteering. He did it four more times, always bringing a group with him for this amazing, educational and rewarding experience. When not volunteering in Israel or working as a judge, he builds toy cars and dollhouses that he donates to various charities.

“This wonderful experience, also known for me as ‘Adult Summer Camp,’ has taught me so much about the ‘inner workings’ of the IDF life and how integral it is in Israeli life. This experience has also taught me how to let go of everything at home.”

~ Sue Adatto

Marion Richer, 79, has volunteered 26 times and is going again. She first volunteered on an IDF base in 1994, for a three-week program. She gradually increased her time to do many three-month programs. Marion’s inspiration came from her oldest son who had volunteered while he was attending college in Israel.

Mark Werner, a corporate lawyer who has volunteered 18 times, wrote a book after he retired about his volunteer experience: “A Passion for Israel” Mark’s father was a Holocaust survivor, and he grew up knowing the importance of Israel. He has many stories of his experiences on IDF bases but his best memories are the five occasions he volunteered with his son. Stanley Richer experienced antisemitism during his career in the U.S. Army, which led him to volunteer for the IDF, with the encouragement of his wife Marion. Sue, Bernie, Marion, Stanley, Mark and all of the program’s volunteers enjoy the diversity of people they meet on base. Everyone from store managers, housekeepers and yoga instructors to attorneys, police chiefs, students and cardiologists can be found volunteering for Israel.

For information and schedules of our various programs: http://vfi-usa.org