Regional Kefiada Photo Roundup

Can you imagine landing in Israel and hearing the entire plane rejoicing with Shalom Alchiem? It is a beautiful sight and amazing to be a part of it. When I was chosen to be a volunteer in the Kefiada program in Israel, I was ecstatic, but I was not prepared for an experience of which would change my entire view of Israel, its culture, and my life.

Upon learning I was going to be a volunteer in the Kefiada camp, the first question I asked was where in Israel would I be? Maybe I would live in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa or even the ever popular Eilat? Then, I was told in I would be living in Arad, you know, the desert. The desert? Are you kidding me, I said? What was I going to do in the desert? The answer is more than I could have dreamed.

Here in Arad, after only one short month, I have met some incredible people and learned a lot, both about myself and the people of Israel. In Arad, I have been teaching English to sixteen 10 year old kids and having fun while doing it. You must understand that Kefiada is not an English school, but an English camp. The difference is, we are here to have fun while teaching English, too. American songs, cheers and dances made my group, The All Stars, an experience of a lifetime.

Along with the campers, I work in the camp directly with one Israeli counselor who helps with translations, but I have also learned so much about the culture of Israeli youth from him and the other Israeli counselors at the camp. Things such as the reality of the Israeli army and the way in which the state of Israel has a sense of pride in their army. I have also been a part an Israeli family which had adopted me whenever I was in need of a home cooked meal or just a place to hang out. On my first night, they treated me as their own and showed me around town. The highlight of my tour was The Look-Out Point. It is a spot in Arad, where among miles of desert sand, you can see the Dead Sea in all of its glory and the beautiful mountains of Jordan.

I will never forget the picturesque views I have seen here in Israel. So far, I have climbed Masada, taken a camel ride, visited a Bedouin tent for dinner, and spent a weekend in Eilat. All of these amazing things which I have seen can only mean one thing. I must never forget what has happened to me here and I know in my heart that I will return. Who knows? Maybe next summer, I will be back in Arad, the place which I learned first hand that I belong here in Israel.

August 1999