IDF welcomes volunteers from all around the world and celebrates
International Volunteer Day with a variety of volunteer programs
Date: 06/12/2011, 7:09 PM Author: IDF Website
http://www.idf.il/1283-14055-en/Dover.aspx

Every year, over 300 Jewish teens from all around the world volunteer to
serve in the IDF and approximately 4,000 Jews and non-Jews from 30 countries
fly to Israel and volunteer in the IDF for several weeks. The IDF welcomes
and appreciates these inspirational volunteers who instill motivation with
their dedication and goodwill.

In honor of the annual International Volunteer Day, take a look at the
various programs through which volunteers from all around the world choose
to contribute to the IDF.

The Garin Tzabar Project

The Garin Tzabar program enables interested teens from all across the globe
to immigrate to Israel and serve in the IDF. In cooperation with the Israeli
Scouts (Tzofim) and the Education and Youth Corps, the program accompanies
the volunteers as they are absorbed in Israel living in kibbutzim and
throughout their military service. Today, over 20 percent of the IDF are new
immigrants.

Founded 20 years ago, the Garin Tzabar project already helped over 1,500
teens from all around the world join the IDF and approximately 70 percent of
the immigrants have stayed in Israel after their service.

With the Garin, they learn about the army and Israel, tour the country, and
are prepared for their military service. The program gives them a home and
supports the teens throughout their service. The number of teens joining the
program as well as the number of Garin Tzabar soldiers taking on commanding
positions increases every year.

Hadar Shabbat (18) from Hong Kong immigrated to Israel in August 2011
through the Garin Tzabar program. Although she lived abroad most of her
life, Hadar's love for Israel remained strong throughout the years, and when
an Israeli Tzofim branch opened in Hong Kong the decision was obvious. "I
felt that this was my opportunity to make a dream come true - move to Israel
and join the IDF. My parents supported me completely and with time my dream
became a reality."

Although she moved to Israel on her own, Shabat will not be enlisting alone.
"It's scary to live without your family," she said, "but there are five
friends from Hong Kong in my Garin that I've known for years. That's a great
relief."

Hadar believes that joining the IDF should be viewed as a privilege, not an
obligation. "It's an incredible experience and opportunity to grow and learn
so many new things. More than anything, it's an opportunity to give back to
the country," she said.

What a great story, Jewish kids from around the world, coming to the IDF.

My children have several such friends.