Sar-El Volunteers for Israel

To my madrichot Hadas and Einat, thank you both so much for being the wonderful women and madrichot that you are. I thoroughly enjoyed my Sar-El experience and look forward to another Sar-El program in my future. You both contributed so much to making the three week program at Batzap quite special and enjoyable.

Bill Gordon

The madrichot, Lior & Abigail, were totally in charge, set the highest standards, and operated with

wisdom well beyond their years.

Steve Plotkin

Well, first time on Sar-El and we could not have had a better team than Nachshon and Leron.

They could not do enough for us and were helpful in every way. They were fun, informative, young and eager, probably exasperated by our group, but they charmed us and took care of us above and beyond the call.

I cannot say enough about how good my first trip was (I'll be back) and I am certain that the friendship and caring of our madrichot/madrichim was THE biggest influence on my awesome time in Sept/Oct 2009.

Joan Hart

I want to let you know what a great time I had with Sar-El in May. It was really an honor to be able to volunteer in Israel and work with so many exceptional people.

Our Madrichot were excellent. Gavriella and Daphne are really amazing and super helpful. The evening sessions that Gavriella put together were educational, interesting, and fun. It was especially nice to meet her parents. It was inspiring to see someone so young have so much maturity, leadership, dedication, and love for Israel.
Mike Ickow

I wanted to let you know that my experience with Sar-El and at the base, was awesome. When I thought of writing to you I thought of two things: to say "thank you" and tell you that I had a great - and I believe very productive time at the base. . . and that Kira Sacks did an absolutely super job, which made the experience all the much better. I couldn't imagine anyone performing that function any better than Kira did. . . She is an exceptional person and I think the world of her!
Richard David

I was just on the program in June and had a wonderful time. Our Madricha, Kira, was super and made the experience outstanding. Everything was great!
Henri Rauch

I have recently returned from yet another great time with Sar-El. I was assigned most working days, along with a volunteer from New Zealand, to the various warehouses in the Negev.

The Madrichot and Madrich, Noofar, Hadas and Josh, led us most ably and displayed a maturity and leadership skills beyond their young age. Their organizational skills were put to good use in assigning each of the volunteers our various work stations and in preparing the evening and day-trip activities.

As a Gentile, it is a privilege to be able to help the IDF and the Jewish people once again.

Alan Cosford

Sar-El Participant

U.K.

The Madrichot who helped organize us were a credit to the army. I think Techiya, Nufi and Sheila were just great and provided a good program for us. I hope they keep in touch and if they ever visit New Zealand I'd be glad to show them about!

David Bebarfald

Sar-El participant

New Zealand

In all my trips to volunteer for Sar-El I have had many excellent madrichot, but Gavriella Biglo was the best I have ever had the honor of working with. She was so committed to her job, making sure we were okay and her programs were top notch.

She gave it her all and more, believe me it showed. Her love for Israel, Judaism, and her complete belief that being in the Army was part of her duty for her country and was most important to her really showed. She is the best ambassador you have and the madricha is just that. She makes the difference on whether you return again for Sar-El. Sar-El is very fortunate to have someone like her to represent the program and Israel. I can honestly say she made my trip here the best ever.

Jim Sloan

Sar-El Participant

It was MY honor to come and to be a part of Sar-El at this time. At (our base) the best part was meeting the wonderful kids from Golani and listening to their stories about the operation.

I know that everyone in my group felt the honor of being with them.

Again Kol haKavod to Shachar, Julia and the other madrichot.

Larry Waxman

Sar-El Participant

Martinez, GA

My madrichot were Liora and Michal. There are no words to describe them. On the fourth day, they asked me to raise the flag. Ordinarily, a soldier raised the flag, but they gave me this honor. Me…raising the flag of Israel in an army base. One of the proudest moments in my life. I raised the flag, stood at attention, and saluted the flag of my country! What more is there? I was told by Sar-El returnees that many Madrichot gave out the work, and often disappeared. Liora and Michal were always there! You looked up, and there they were. All of the time, asking if all was okay. You would think that once everyone was placed at a job, they would disappear. But not the two of them. They were everywhere and oh so helpful.

Before the conclusion of every meal, they checked that all was okay. They were more like sisters than anything else. Then again…They are sisters!! I’m thankful for having the army blessed with the two of them. On my last day, they gave me a present and a card that says all of their doubts (regarding me being disabled) disappeared the first day when they met me, and saw my performance. Michal asked me if I would officiate at her wedding.

Moshe Larry Ginsburg

February, 2009

"Kudos for Hadas and Lior. They were great."

Rob Loewenstein, Marilyn Schear

Sar-El Participant Dec./Jan., 2009

I just wanted to fill you in on my amazing and awesome experience with Sar El this past November (2008). I was on an army base along with madrichot :Liora Manelis and Gavi Bigio. As each day progressed, I felt more connected to Israel; the land, its people and even the IDF. The creative and hardworking duo (Liora and Gavy) were an integral part of my transition. I would like to take this opportunity to commend them both. They have a special place in my heart. I think it is both important and exciting for you to be aware of the excellent job these two young women are performing.

Dr. Judi Edelman

Sar-El Participant November, 2008

"I cannot commend Keren and Hadas enough for all that they did for us old timers, as there were times when it could not have been easy. Time after time they went out of their way to make life interesting for us and I will never forget them nor their bright, cheerful and smiling faces. "

David Boddy

Sar-El Participant November, 2008

"I have respect for these young Madrichot that work with many older people and they do it excellently. (I've been to Sar-El) 20 times so far and all the Madrichot are super."

Ada Van Oyen

Sar-El Participant November, 2008

"The madrichot who helped organize us were a credit to the army! I think Techiya, Nuphar & Sheila were just great & provided a good program for us."

David Bebarfald

Sar-El participant

"I must mention our madricha Shaked. Everyone was very impressed with her. At one stage for a few days she was on her own. She handled herself with a maturity beyond her years. She deserves a pat on the back."

Glenn Arenburg

Sar-El participant

"I have been on 5 trips as a volunteer with Sar-El and ALL the madrichot were incredible. So competent, capable, etc. The young women (all have been women) seem mature beyond their years, yet still manage to be playful and fun-loving. Just wanted to say that Nuphar and Techiya were an absolutely unbeatable combination. "
Todah rabah."

Madelyn Johannes
Sar-El participant

"Just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed my experience on the base. All my fellow volunteers were a pleasure to work and hang out with. Shira (our madricha) is an absolutely delightful young lady."

Mitch Berliner

Sar-El June 2008

"Rina is an awesome madricha!"

Karen Koven

Sar-El June 2008

Our madricha, Hadar, was very mature beyond her young years, always pleasant, knowledgeable, and informative. "

Harold & Linda Pruskin

Sar-El Apr/May 2008

"This was our first trip with Sar-El to Israel and to sum up our two weeks....it was a life experience.

From the moment we arrived at your famous luggage cart in Ben Gurion Airport the adventure began. Your sticker on our chest which said the name of our base and your explanation that the base was on the Egyptian border started our juices flowing and it never stopped for our entire tour.

The most remarkable part of the entire venture was the presence and capability of Adva and Shaked. Two of the most exceptional leaders we have ever encountered. They taught us, helped us, laughed with us and yes at a really great moment cried with us. They have made an indelible impression on both of us."

Bonnie and Lew Lepene

Sar-El participants, March/April 2008

Boca Raton, Florida

"Our madrichot Izmagard and Shelly Ram were wonderful, and I especially enjoyed the educational programs they conducted every evening. They were also there for everyone, even in difficult situations."

Irwin Edelstein

Sar-El participant

"Our two madrichot, Michal and Izmargad are two very special people that deserve the highest praise. They truly went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and welcome.
My personal experience with Sar-El was a life experience that will be freeze framed in my mind. "

Alvin Lazarus

Sar-El participant, March, 2008

"I have recently returned from another great Sar-El trip. The work was different from my first two trips. It was most enjoyable and a pleasure and privilege to once again be able to serve the Jewish people and IDF.

The madrichot, Adi and Orit, were really wonderful to have as leaders. The excursions that they took us on were all most informative. I hope the Sar-El program continues to go well throughout the year and I'm looking forward to volunteering again next year."

Alan Cosford

Sar-El participant, March, 2008

"I'm back in Ireland now and have been scratching my head trying to figure out how to put my thanks to you and everyone at Sar-El into an e-mail!

I can't possibly describe how wonderful it was for me, but I'll just send kudos to you and the staff for a brilliant program, "Well Done."

Zoë and Drew were so professional and talented. We all agreed that next time we'd be delighted if they were our madrichot again. We all have nothing but praise for them and the soldiers at our base who were so hospitable and warm (and understanding) to us. I heard we broke the warehouse record and that can only be because we all pulled together - a tribute to you too.

I did enjoy my time and managed to see a lot of Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and the North Coast. Zoë was a great help in that regard.

Again, many thanks to you and everyone at Sar-El."

- Brian Haran

Sar-El participant, January,2008

"Nufar and Ruth were absolutely great, creative in their work and meticulous in their preparation."

- Miriam Sherman

Sar-El participant

"I'd like to second Miriam Sherman's statement about Ruth and Nuphar. They were among the best madrichot I've been associated with."

- Len Berk

Sar-El participant

"Izmargard and Shaked were wonderful girls, full of sunshine and always ready to answer questions, always smiling."

- Eugene Zauber

Sar-El participant

It was my first time (on Sar-El) and I absolutely loved every moment of it. I'll be back very soon, no doubt, probably next spring. The soldiers were wonderful to us, they treated us so well, I was amazed at the maturity, sparkling spirit and sense of humor we encountered, particularly in our work managers and our madrichot. Everyone at our base bent over backwards to look after us and make us feel welcome.

The work was fun and it felt like we really achieved something, even on a small scale, and hopefully made a little contribution to the efforts of the IDF and "our" brigade in particular. I also really appreciated how much effort our madrichot, Yaara and Techiya, put in to plan activities for us - I hadn't expected such an investment in us, all the evening activities were fun and educational, some of the talks by soldiers were very touching, and the trips were amazing. I learned so much about different aspects of life in Israel and the IDF, it was brilliant!

- Kat Richberg

Sar-El participant, November 2007

I was very impressed with all of the madrichot, but a special mention must be made of Sheila. What a credit she is to Sar-El, the IDF and the new generation of young people on which the nation of Israel will depend in the future...

- John Whittam

Sar-El participant, November 2007

I was a Sar-El volunteer last month, at a base in Tel Aviv. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Everything was wonderful. I was thrilled to be given an opportunity to help the nation of Israel. My madrichot, Nophar and Michal, were superb. I am now making preparations to return as a volunteer in early 2008 and many additional times in the future.

- Brian Ruderman

Sar-El participant, November 2007

I was very impressed with Yaara and Techiya .Their maturity level and positive attitude were inspiring. I miss Yaara's big smile every morning and their constantly asking me if I need anything.

- Ken Dion

Sar-El participant, November 2007

My madrichot Hila and Nathalie were excellent. They lead our International Youth Group really well. They rocked!!

"...Dina demonstrated an ability to personally connect with each individual, as well as the group as a whole. She consistently showed great maturity and poise in every situation. Dina worked very hard to ensure our needs and all of our concerns were quickly accommodated. She was well prepared as we gathered each morning to start work and she put in a great deal of time and creative effort to make sure our evening activities were educational as well as entertaining..."

"...I cannot praise our madricha enough for all of her work and dedication. She was with us every day to coordinate our activities, listen to our troubles and solve our problems..."

Our madricha Dina is kind, caring and an absolute pleasure. Her games and lectures were great fun and very informative. She went about all of her duties with great diligence...."

MADRICHA: A WORD THAT RHYMES WITH HATICHA, HAMUDA, HACHAMA, NECHMADA, YEDIDA, HAVERA MEULA.

(Sorry, no English translations, sweat it out, like I did, through my Hebrew/English dictionary.)

Who are those marvellous, incredibly gifted 18-19 year old kids? Are they the product of excellent army selection and training? Perhaps. But I suspect that there is more, much more, to what it takes to make a madricha. Something which cannot be taught, even by very capable instructors. Something inborn, traits of character some where fortunate enough to inherit from their parents, which of course competent training and education help to enhance.

They are an amalgam of qualities which in other young people would seem contradictory, perhaps even paradoxical:

1) Sophisticated and mature beyond their age, yet youthful, fresh, cheerful, bright-eyed idealists.

2) Serious, dependable adults with high standards of responsibility, yet playful, humorous and a joy to be with.

3) Strong minded and firm when the situation calls for, while sweet and kind when dealing with people’s vulnerabilities.

Let’s take a few minutes and examine what is demanded of those intelligent, talented, big-hearted young madrichot. They are handed a large group of mostly pleasant and enthusiastic volunteers from every corner of the world, men and women of all ages, cultures and personalities, and made responsible for their safety and wellbeing. Volunteers that fully understood the conditions of the fair but modest accommodations and amenities Sar-El and the Israeli army can provide and that they are there to make a contribution to Israel. However, like in any other group, there are always a few of those who misunderstood or did not want to understand what was clearly explained to them before volunteering: difficult folks, demanding folks, people who expected an army base to be the military equivalent of a Tel Aviv five star hotel. And that’s when those wonderful young madrichot display their talents, competence, and most of all, their innate goodness and understanding. No Sar-El volunteer, whether easy-going or difficult, ever leaves his/her assigned army base workplace without a tremendous sense of appreciation and long-lasting love for those dedicated and enthusiastic young madrichot.

They are the tireless, always alert shepherdesses of a flock of well-meaning but sometimes imprudent and careless lambs who when, for instance, taken for an excursion through some old twisting streets and alleys of an ancient Israeli town to enjoy some interesting historical sights of antiquity, they would stray, lag behind the main group, thus contributing to the premature aging of 19 year old kids who really should be enjoying their youth among their peers instead. But they have chosen otherwise. They have opted instead to guide and protect those who came to help Israel through their labour, support and presence. They have resigned themselves, among other chores, to be constantly counting and recounting their charges as they escort them back and forth from one place to another. The only time I saw them relax during any of the sightseeing trips was when, after a final head count in the bus taking us back to the base, they finally sat down exhausted.

So dear madrichot, please accept this grateful former (and hopefully future) volunteer’s sincerest thanks and appreciation. You are the greatest! If I had a son, I would wish him only that he would be fortunate enough to marry a madricha. Heck, if I were single and three months younger, I would go for one myself!