Helping out lone soldiers

I have been off from the army since Thursday. I stayed the weekend in Jerusalem and hung out with my commander from basic training, Albert. He introduced me to this awesome couple from Tennessee who came to Israel about 10 years ago to basically dedicate their lives and everything they have to support lone soldiers - give them a place to sleep and eat for Shabbat or any time they need help. We went for Shabbat dinner where there were about a dozen other lone soldiers. The dinner and company was fantastic and Scott and Theresa are without a doubt the nicest and most helpful people I have ever met in my life. Even though it was a relatively short encounter of only one evening, I learned that they are extraordinary people who go to any length to make a lone soldier's life easier so that we can concentrate all our energy on our job of defending Israel. There are a lot of people and organizations that also address the same needs of lone soldiers but the most amazing part about Scott and Theresa's story is that they are not Jews, but Christians. To see their website and find out more about these truly incredible people, here is a link to their website.

A while back I was told about a big event for lone soldiers on passover. At the time when I requested to go I was told that the spots were full and I would not be able to go. Three days before the event I was told that a spot opened up for me! On Monday morning we headed to the event - a hotel right next to the beach. There was tons of food, entertainment, and more gifts for lone soldiers. In total there were about 500 people there. The best gift that was given out was received by one of my friends who lives with me on the kibbutz. He was chosen "randomly" from the crowd to come up on stage and have some small talk with Gabi Ashkenazi - the IDF's Chief of Staff. That in itself is pretty cool, but there were several other gifts that I would have preferred. So, after getting over the basics - where are you from, where do you serve, etc. he was asked if he could ask for anything in the world right now, what would it be? Trying not to say the wrong thing he was at lost for an answer, so with the hints given by Ashkenazi he answered that he would want to see his parents. Ashkenazi then told my friend to turn around, and when he did he was staring face to face with his parents. The IDF flew his parents in from the US to surprise him, and it worked. Not only was this my first Passover in Israel, but my first passover not spent at home with my family. Aside from the great time I had over the 2 days there with my friends, it was hard not to miss home, and the passover seder with the family and the best food cooked by mom.

I head back to base for just over 2 weeks, but when I get out, its for a long weekend. The Sunday is Yom Hazikaron (Israel Memorial Day) followed by Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) on the Monday. I have 2 very interesting weeks up ahead, so make sure not to miss the next blog.

Chag Pesach Sameyach!

The following is a letter from a lone soldier that I read. I didn't write it, but it definitely is all true, and applicable to all lone soldiers.

What does it mean to be a soldier in the Israeli Army? It means freezing through cold winter nights and sweating in the sweltering desert sun. It means harships that you never knew existed and was sure that you could never complete. It means frindships so strong and rare that no words can describe them. And it means walking through the streets with your head held high no matter how tired or sore you are because you are a soldier in the Jewish army.

What does it mean to be a lone soldier? It means living in a new country and struggling with a new language and a different culture. It means having Israelis not fully appreciating how hard it is to go through this journey alone with your family on the other side of the world. It means coming home exhausted to a bedroom and having no mother or father to hug and welcome you back, no warm home cooked meal waiting for you on the kitchen table; just an empty fridge and a bag of meager items you picked up on the way. With the endless bus rides and ever growing pile of laundry, it is easy to wonder how different it would feel to come home to a caring family. It also means having random people in the streets hugging you and thanking you for coming, and taxi drivers inviting you over for dinner. It means feeling special that you are one of the few who have made this commitment and it means being able to look every Israeli in the eye and say "I know what you have gone through, I've done it too; you are not alone we are all in this together."

For some, the army is a military experience learning new skills and overcoming difficult obstacles. For others it is a social encounter with a diverse set of individuals. But for all it is an affirmation of our desire to actively connect to the Jewish people and be a part of creating the next chapter of our ancient story. Volunteers come from every corner of the world to serve. We speak different languages and have different customs. Nevertheless, we have several things in common with one another; we are all Jews, we are all dedicated to Israel, and we are all people of action who have given up much to come. Some have put their dreams of college and careers on hold. Others have left without the support of their families who don't understand why they would leave 'safe' and 'normal' lifestyles. The reality show us that although ideals are beautiful, words are not enough for us and that instead of dreaming, we have decided with our hearts to stand on our own two feet and with our own two hands make a difference.

Being a lone soldier in the Israeli army is far from easy, but the knowledge that our presence here is appreciated by Jews around the world is a great comfort. Moreover, a few words of appreciation, a package for the holidays, and fun day at the beach and an occasional phone call means a lot, because it reminds us why we are here and shows us that we are not standing alone.

-Avi and Yoav Schaefer