Volunteering for a cause greater than oneself is a deeply rewarding experience. For many, this calling leads them to support the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) through the Volunteers for Israel (VFI) program, the U.S. partner of Sar-el, an Israeli organization. Mark Werner, a retired attorney and the current president of Volunteers for Israel, has dedicated years to this cause, spending two to three weeks every summer for the past 18 years volunteering on Israeli military bases. His experiences, chronicled in his books Army Fatigues: Joining Israel’s Army of International Volunteers and A Passion for Israel: Adventures of a Sar-el Volunteer, offer a glimpse into the impactful world of IDF volunteer service.
Werner’s connection to service runs deep. Growing up in a community of Holocaust survivors and being the son of a Jewish partisan fighter, he understood the importance of resilience and support. In a recent interview, Werner shared insights into his volunteer work and the crucial role of volunteers in supporting the IDF.
The Serious Side of Summer Camp
While Werner’s wife jokingly refers to his volunteer stints as “summer camp for grown-ups,” the reality is far from frivolous. “People’s lives are at stake,” Werner emphasizes. The work performed by volunteers directly impacts the readiness and efficiency of the IDF. Imagine preparing medical supplies or combat gear; precision and accuracy are paramount. Soldiers heading into potentially dangerous situations rely on the gear prepared by volunteers. “When soldiers rush into an armored personnel carrier and go off to battle, they don’t have time to check if the ammunition, helmets, water canteens, and other gear the volunteers packed in it are in place. If we get it wrong, someone could die,” Werner explains, highlighting the gravity of the tasks at hand. This meticulous preparation extends to even seemingly mundane tasks, ensuring that everything, from medical bandages to Idf Uniforms, are ready for deployment when needed.
More Than Just Extra Hands: The Value of Volunteers
The contribution of volunteers extends beyond simply providing extra labor. Werner points out two significant benefits to the IDF. Firstly, volunteers “free up soldiers for more serious duties and reduce the need to call up reservists.” By taking on logistical and support tasks, volunteers allow soldiers to focus on training, defense, and strategic operations. Secondly, and perhaps equally important, is the morale boost provided by the international volunteers. “It is a real morale booster for soldiers to see some 4,000 pro-Israel people from all over the globe annually coming to help.” This global support demonstrates solidarity and strengthens the spirit of the IDF.
Over the years, the Sar-el program has seen an impressive influx of support. “We’ve had roughly 150,000 to 160,000 volunteers to date,” Werner states. These volunteers hail from diverse corners of the world, with the majority coming from the U.S. and France. However, significant numbers have also volunteered from countries including Norway, Finland, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Central Asia, Australia, UK, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia, showcasing the global reach of support for the IDF.
Rewarding Experiences and Diverse Encounters
For Werner, the volunteer experience has been personally enriching. One of the most rewarding aspects has been “meeting Israeli soldiers from so many backgrounds, including members of the Druze community and the sons and daughters of Jewish immigrants from Ethiopia and Russia.” This exposure has deepened his understanding and appreciation of Israel’s diverse population.
Another profoundly impactful experience was contributing to Israel’s Operation Good Neighbor. Volunteers played a crucial role in “pack[ing] medical supplies for a field hospital that Israel had opened on the Syrian border to treat victims of the Assad government’s indiscriminate bombing of its own people. We saved many lives.” This humanitarian effort highlights the far-reaching impact of volunteer work, extending beyond direct military support to broader humanitarian aid.
Who Volunteers? A Diverse Demographic
The Sar-el program attracts a diverse group of individuals. “Men and women are evenly divided, and almost half are over the age of 65,” Werner notes. The program also actively encourages younger participation with a dedicated program for college students that “heavily subsidizes their airfare.” Furthermore, a partnership with Birthright Israel allows young people to extend their Birthright trip and volunteer on an IDF base. This provides a unique opportunity for young adults to “work side-by-side with same-aged Israeli soldiers and discover how much they have in common.” These interactions foster understanding and build lasting connections.
Motivations and Practicalities of Volunteering
The motivations for volunteering are varied but united by a common thread of support for Israel. “Most have a desire to strengthen the Jewish homeland; some Christians volunteer as a way of making amends for the historical mistreatment of Jews,” Werner explains. Beyond ideological reasons, there are practical advantages. Volunteering offers “an inexpensive way to experience Israel close up.” With the army providing “room and board during the work week,” volunteers primarily need to cover their flight and weekend expenses.
Accommodations on base are basic, reflecting the military environment. “Spartan. You live in the barracks with the soldiers and can be crowded in a room with four, eight, or 10 people; you sleep on a cot, eat in a kosher mess hall, and walk to the washroom. This is not for people who like to vacation in five-star hotels,” Werner candidly describes. This immersion in military life provides a unique and authentic experience.
Becoming a Volunteer: The Application Process
Interested individuals can apply through Volunteers for Israel. The application process involves “an examination by your personal doctor to certify that you’re able to walk a mile on uneven surfaces, can lift at least 20 lbs., and are well-suited psychologically.” This ensures volunteers are physically and mentally capable of contributing effectively. Following the medical assessment, an interview determines if the applicant is a good fit for the program. This vetting process safeguards both the volunteers and the IDF.
Family Bonds Forged Through Service
Volunteering can also strengthen family bonds. Werner recounts his experience volunteering with his son David: “Volunteering with my son brought us the kind of closeness we had missed out on earlier in my career.” David enjoyed the experience so much that he volunteered five times. These shared experiences create lasting memories and deeper connections. Werner has observed other volunteers seeking similar bonding opportunities, with parents, children, aunts, uncles, and even grandparents volunteering together.
Continued Dedication
Werner’s commitment to volunteering remains unwavering. “Yes, as long as I am physically able,” he affirms, indicating his ongoing dedication to the program and the IDF. His long-term involvement underscores the profound personal and societal value of the Volunteers for Israel program.
Supporting the IDF: More Than Uniforms
While the tasks may range from packing medical supplies to assisting with logistics, the underlying purpose of volunteering for the IDF is consistent: providing crucial support. Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the IDF’s operational readiness and bolstering the morale of its soldiers. Although the focus may not always be directly on items like IDF uniforms, the collective effort ensures that every aspect of IDF operations is supported, from equipment readiness to humanitarian aid. By contributing their time and effort, volunteers become an integral part of the support system that enables the IDF to protect and serve Israel.
Get Involved
To learn more about how you can contribute and become a Volunteer for Israel, visit Volunteers for Israel. Your support, in any capacity, makes a significant difference.
