The Charlotte Jewish News April 2023

Charlotte Jewish News, April 2023

By Mindy Franklin

We are all saddened by the news that Israeli civilians are once again being targeted by Arab terrorists. Whether the victims are Israelis leaving synagogue worship or simply a father and son going about their day, the pictures emanating from Israel in the past weeks reveal a populace on edge as funerals mourn the dead.

The Israeli government has responded to this spike in terrorist activity by raising Israel to its highest violence alert, reminiscent of the Second Intifada 20 years ago.

The IDF has called up reservists and activated more military units to patrol the streets and countryside against terrorism. As a result, a large number of IDF bases have newly requested help in the form of more overseas volunteers. They need logistics assistance, such as working in warehouses to pack military supplies, medicines, and food rations.

Volunteers For Israel (VFI) is a national organization that sends Americans to volunteer on Israeli military bases for one, two, or three weeks at a time. VFI recruits, processes, and prepares volunteers to work in a non-military capacity on IDF bases. VFI partners with an Israeli organization, Sar-El, which has brought over 160,000 volunteers from all over the world to volunteer on IDF bases.

Over the history of the program, 32 members of the Charlotte community have volunteered to work on IDF bases. Most recently, Rabbi Stuart Gershon returned from volunteering in February. He says, “Of all the things I’ve done to support Israel, Volunteers For Israel was the most meaningful. We accomplished important logistical supply work for the IDF. I was incredibly inspired by the young Israeli soldiers, men, and women, whom I got to know. They expressed their appreciation for us too. I made friends with fellow volunteers, both Jews, and non-Jews from all over the world. We bonded together through our love for Israel. I will certainly volunteer again.”

“This is a unique volunteer opportunity to show your support for Israel”, said VFI president, Mark Werner, who has volunteered 19 times. “Our volunteers live in the barracks with the soldiers, eat in the mess halls with the soldiers, and work side-by-side with them. And they build new friendships with like-minded volunteers from around the world, creating unforgettable experiences and building support for Israel”.

No military experience is required to volunteer. The lower age limit is 17 (16 if accompanied by a guardian), and there is no upper age limit. “I’ve met our oldest volunteer. At 94, she was inspiring,” said Werner. He adds: “Many people volunteer with their children or even their grandchildren. And the gender breakdown between men and women is roughly 50/50.”

While we watch safely on the sidelines as the violence spirals in Israel, there is something concrete we can do to show our support for Israel in these difficult times. Israel needs us now to step up and volunteer on IDF bases more than ever. Please consider volunteering one, two, or three weeks of your time and effort through Volunteers For Israel (vfi-usa.org). To speak to a VFI representative, please email Johnny Cahn at mid-atlantic@ vfi-usa.org or call him at (240) 462-3456.

You will get back more than you give. And the experience will be life changing.

Photo Caption: A team of four American volunteers on Israel’s medical supply base