OTZMA: Strength. Strength I found in myself, in others, and in the state of Israel. On August 28th, 2007 I joined 46 other post-graduate young adults as we journeyed to Israel to learn, explore, and volunteer. I have traveled from the southern beaches of Eliat to the northern city of Akko. We were lucky enough to discover Be’er Shave (7 wells) and experience the Negav (desert.)
We have visited the settlements of Takoa while learning about coexistence. We have painted walls and white washed fences with the people of Sderot while learning about the constant fear they live in. Currently, the city can be hit with 2 or 3 Kassams (rockets) a day. Cleaning out their debris filled parks allowed us a glimpse into their reality while restoring a light of hope and reminding them that maybe, they are not forgotten. We picked onions for "the hungry of Israel" with Table to Table (www.tabletotable.org.il) who enable thousands of hungry Israelis to receive food. Each week we waited tables for mothers and their children in Be’er Sova, who have never and may never be able to go to a restaurant. We played games, made puzzles, and built memories that will last a lifetime, in their hearts and ours. We have done all this while learning Hebrew.
Living in an absorption center for Olym Chadashim (New Immigrants) allowed me to understand the true melting pot that is Israel. Jews from all over the world including France, Russia, and India come together as Israeli citizens. It is beautiful to witness the Shabbat and Chugim atmosphere; passing strangers on the street and wishing them a “Shabbat Shalom”. Sharing the Shabbat with Israelis from all over Israel has made me appreciate how lucky I am to be Jewish and have this amazing state that allows me to learn, explore, and volunteer. One thing I have learned is, the more I learn, the more I need to learn. OTZMA is divided into three and a half tracks and I can hardly believe the first is complete. I look forward to learning and discovering more throughout my last two and a half tracks in Israel.
Todah Raba
Charlene
Charlene Naft
Charlene.Naft@gmail.com
CharinIsrael@blogspot.com
ww.otzma.org
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