Community Service Experience by Joan Hulkower, New York

Looking back on the Community Service portion of the CAARI Program, I’m overwhelmed at the appreciation that I received from the staff at Ichilov Hospital’s Rehab Department.

Apparently, they are short of volunteers and could not have been more grateful for the service that we did in the mornings.

When we came in at 8 AM we set up the breakfast trays and handed them out to the patients as they came into the dining room. Usually about 35 came in between 8 and 9:30 AM. Following breakfast, I helped make beds, sometime refilled lotions and paper towels in the room or walked with patients that needed extra ambulation.

On the last day the staff gathered us (there were 4 other CAARI participants who worked with me) in their kitchen, gave us gifts, thanked us for our help and hoped we would return next year. Being appreciated made it so worthwhile!

Joan

The Canadian American Active Retirees in Israel, CAARI, offers active seniors a unique opportunity to experience Israel. The program is designed to explore the biblical landscapes, follow the footsteps of the early pioneers, and envision the future of our Homeland. The CAARI Program includes community service, tours, a speakers forum and the camaraderie of the CAARI Family. The Program is designed for to feel, touch, hear and see Israel from the mountains to the desert, from sea to sea, and from ancient to modern.

Links: Jewish National Fund USA : https://www.jnf.org/