Unfortunately, Israel was not founded and built in peaceful times. Since its inception and declaration of a state, it has faced attacks based in hatred, which seek to destroy the Jewish people and the amazing country they have built for themselves. The foundation of Israel’s success in the many wars it faced can be credited to the amazing, devoted members of its military unit, or IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). These soldiers fight on a constant basis to insure safety to the citizens of Israel and the Jewish people. It is for this reason, and many others that were very grateful that on our third day, Israel soldiers and members of its military joined our group. They come from all walks of life and experiences. It’s a very profound concept for us to grasp: there is a mandatory draft for all Jewish -Israeli citizens when they turn 18. These soldiers are our ages; they like and do many of the things that we do. For this, it is hard to grasp the concept that some of them have already experienced war and despair. Despite this, they are a group of warming and welcoming people. They told us stories about their homes and families, and a few tidbits of their lives. It’s funny to hear that they like some of the bands that we listen to, and even to some that we don’t. One of us asked them if they ever heard of an American rapper called “Eminem” and one of them responded “heard of him, I have three of his albums”. It is this assimilation of shared interests that, for sure, will bring us closer together, and allow the birthright participants to get a full understanding of the true Israel.
Our day began with our visit to the Machon Ayalon, the underground bullet factory that helped Israel reach success in the War of Independence. Our tour guide explained that the people who lived on the Kibbutz were recruited to help man an underground ammunition factory. It was amazing to hear the story of how these people worked for hours each day in a dark, windless room all to insure Israel’s survival. It was amazing to see the lengths that the Kibbutzniks went through in order to keep the secret from the “Giraffes” or the people not privy to their activities that were going on beneath their feet. The tour guide told a story of how woman once walked in while people walked “out of the floor”, and fainted. When she awoke, the people involved with the factory tried to tell her that it was all a dream, but she pursued them, and eventually was drafted for the caused. In the end, the people helped produce 2.5 million bullets; an amazing feat considering only forty-three people were involved with the factory. To see the devotion that these people had towards the survival of Israel was extremely powerful.
We so often see images on television about children in Uganda, Sudan and other third world countries, being trapped within the confines of war, unable to seek proper education and medical treatment. For this reason, our visit to Save a Child’s Heart was especially profound. In typically Jewish fashion, Israel seeks not just to better itself and improve the lives of its own citizens, but to also better the lives of people around the world. One of the best examples of this is the Save a Child’s Heart foundation. With the help of Israeli doctors, hospitals and volunteer’s, this organization helps to bring extremely poor, sick children with congenital heart problems to Israel, for free, in order to provide them with world class health services. We actually were able to meet these children and their family members and hear their stories. They are amazing people, and come from the poorest regions. It’s hard to imagine what their lives are like in their home country. With this, it was amazing to see the kids run around and play with us, despite their life experiences. We drew with them and let them play with our cameras. They are the sweetest groups of kids. It still hard to grasp all that they and their mothers have gone though to make sure that their children receive the life saving medical treatment they deserve. The children and their mother’s are very strong enduring people. Although people may come from different cultures and walks of life, this part of journey has taught us that the differences that separate us from them are less than our similarities. Surly, this will be an experience we will never forget.
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