by David Rosengarten
After October 7, my relationship with Israel has changed in ways I could not have anticipated. Since that day, I feel more connected to the country than ever, and I’ve felt a need to consistently be on the ground, helping, in any way I can. In January 2024, my wife and I spent a week in Israel on a volunteer and solidarity mission. In addition to helping on farms and packing supplies, we travelled the country bearing witness to what occurred.
This January, my daughter, Janna, and I spent two weeks volunteering on military bases in Israel through an organization called Sar-El. It was the experience of a lifetime!
During our two-week volunteer experience with Sar-El, we had the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in Israeli culture, contribute to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), and forge connections that deepened our understanding of the country and its people. Sar-El offers an incredible chance for people of different religions and backgrounds from all over the world to volunteer on military bases, providing support and gaining insights into Israel’s security and daily life. Between 20-30% of the volunteers were not Jewish, and we met volunteers from Australia, England, France, Ireland, Argentina, the US, and several other countries. You live and eat on the base Sunday through Thursday, wear the military uniform during working hours, and work alongside active duty soldiers as well as reservists.
We arrived in Israel excited and a bit apprehensive, unsure of what to expect. Sar-El’s program welcomed us with open arms, briefing us on the rules, expectations, and the importance of our role. Volunteers from different parts of the world—each with their own motivations—gathered at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv on Sunday morning before being assigned to various military bases throughout the country. It was amazing to meet such a diverse group of people, all united by a desire to support Israel in a meaningful way.
After being assigned to an Airforce base in Southern Israel for our first week, we were introduced to the daily rhythm of life on an IDF base. Each day began early with a military-style meal and flag-raising, and we were then given tasks that supported the IDF in areas such as logistics, supply management, and administrative assistance. On this particular base, we were packing meals for front-line soldiers in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. By the end of the week, our group had packed 4,446 boxes with over 17,000 meals. Whether it was packaging the meals, working the assembly line, or assisting in other behind-the-scenes operations, it was clear that every role—no matter how small—was crucial in supporting the IDF’s mission.
For week two, we were assigned to an army combat training base in the Negev. This base was used to train combat soldiers and also housed the trucks used to carry tanks into Gaza. We spent the week making sure each truck had all the proper equipment, making sure the equipment was in working order, and making sure the chains used to secure the tanks onto the trucks were properly affixed. As meaningful as the work was, eating meals with the soldiers and commanders was equally rewarding. Some of these soldiers had recently returned from combat and were so grateful that we would volunteer on their base. They told us about life in Israel, life in the IDF and how they were each affected by October 7. We of course told them how grateful we are for all of them. Hearing the combat planes taking off, making sure we were aware of all the bomb shelters in the case of a siren, as well as hearing and feeling the bombs dropping in Gaza gave us a real feeling of what they go through on a regular basis.
The work was often physically demanding, and living in army barracks is not what we were used to, but there was a sense of purpose and camaraderie that made it all worthwhile. Working alongside soldiers, many of whom were young and eager to fight to defend Israel, made me realize how dedicated and disciplined they are. Despite their serious roles, they always greeted us with kindness and appreciation, making us feel like a valuable part of their team.
One of the highlights of volunteering with Sar-El was the opportunity to truly immerse ourselves in Israeli culture. While working on base, we had the chance to interact with people from all walks of life—soldiers, fellow volunteers, and locals. Many of the soldiers had fascinating personal stories to share, giving us a glimpse into the diverse backgrounds and experiences that make up Israeli society. We ate dinner with Bedouin and Druze soldiers, we spoke with orthodox and secular Jewish soldiers, and we were able to speak with combat soldiers as well as the cooks and those whose service does not include combat. We learned about their challenges, their joys, and their pride in serving their country.
In the evenings, when the workday was done, we had the chance to speak to our madrichot (active duty leaders) where they told various stories about the IDF, or their personal stories including how October 7 impacted them. On the weekends, we had the chance to explore nearby cities and towns. We attended a glassblowing workshop in Caesarea, went on a tour of the Gaza envelope, walked the beaches of Tel Aviv, and of course did plenty of shopping. While the food on each base was surprisingly good, we enjoyed delicious meals of falafel, shawarma, and even sushi on our days off. These experiences allowed us to not only enjoy being in Israel but also to connect with the people on a deeper level.
By the end of our two weeks, we were filled with a deep sense of gratitude. The experience was much more than just volunteering; it was a chance to embrace the importance of community and the strength of shared purpose and to feel good about the hard work we were putting in. Despite being of different religions and coming from different parts of the world, we were all united in our goal to support Israel, and we both felt a deep sense of connection to both the people we worked alongside and the land itself.
Volunteering with Sar-El was an enriching experience that allowed us to make a tangible impact while gaining a better understanding of Israel’s complex political, social, and cultural landscape. It reminded me of the power of service and the importance of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone to experience the world in a new way.
Whether you’re looking to volunteer, travel, or simply learn more about Israel, I highly recommend participating in the Sar-El program. It’s an opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow in ways you never imagined.
We both can’t wait to go back for another “Army” vacation as soon as we can.
About the Author
DAVID ROSENGARTEN grew up in Central NJ and moved to DE in 2010. He worked in banking at JPMorgan for many years and is currently a State Farm Agent/Owner. He is active in the DE Jewish community and is looking forward to his next volunteer opportunity.
