David Schwartz flanked by fellow Otzma volunteers Jessica Goldstein (right) and Shiri Berger

Arad is a unique and beautiful city which I have learned to appreciate in the last month I've been living here. It's large enough to keep me from feeling bored, but it is small enough so that I am not overwhelmed. I know some Hebrew which helps me get by, but you are almost as likely to hear Russian being spoken. The people I have encountered here are warm and welcoming, and they seem to be well suited to life in a small desert community.

Although Arad is small in comparison to the major cities of Israel, it certainly does not lack quality volunteering sites. I keep myself busy with five different work placements: Alon Jr. High School, Livaot Grammar School, the Israel Tennis Centre,a musical kindergarden and an afternoon tutoring moadon for High school drop-outs. Each work placement is challenging and fun, and find that I am a good fit for this kind of work.

I have also taken advantage of some of the facilities Arad offers: I am a member of the city choir which rehearses at the music conservsatory, and I also perform at the local coffe shop. In addition, I use the public swimming pool and I play football (soccer) sometimes on Friday mornings.

So far, living/working in Arad has been an exciting and rewarding time for me, and I look forward to another two successful months here in this beautiful city in the desert.

Shvat 5760 - January 2000