IBC Volunteering 2013
Participants on Israel by Choice at volunteering sites.
Filming: Gaby Grabin
Editor and Director: Yigal Sela
|
“It’s a really interesting way to get to know Israel from the inside,” said IBC Program Director Gabi Grabin. “It’s getting to know Israelis that choose a line of work that is hard every day. … It’s important to understand that these places won’t stop working. They bring such an interesting and fun vibe to these places. It just changes these places and brings a whole new light.”
Sophie Davies, from Melbourne, was volunteering at the Agam School, for people aged 6-21 who have disabilities. “It was a good place to help and see what day-to-day life is for people I would have never seen before,” Davies said. “In my class they don’t speak, but I can already see their personalities, and have made a connection to them.” Daniel Edelman, from Melbourne, volunteered at Shikma, a village for people with retardation. “At this place, you can see a difference that you’re actually making,” Edelman said. “They learn your names, and they get excited when you come. It is hard, but fulfilling at the same time.” Jessie Goldberg, from Sydney, chose Leket, Israel’s national food bank, where she could be hands-on and have a direct vision of her accomplishments.”You can see the effect you have. You can see at the end of the day 10 crates or 20 crates – that’s what I’ve done,” Goldberg said. “You know that it’s going to go to some place where it’s going to go to good use.” |
Agam School Shikma Leket |
Israel at 65 has evolved significantly since the new-born, rough-around-the-edges state of 1948. The Israel of the 21st century is a first world economy and a sophisticated society, complete with a unique culture, dynamic politics and a robust and vigorous democracy.
THE Technion in Haifa, Israel’s oldest university, plays a key role in the country’s hi-tech, industrial and scientific industries and has a worldwide reputation for excellence. Three of Israel’s 10 Nobel laureates are faculty members, the university has been at the forefront of embryonic stem cell research, and its list of impressive achievements includes an anti-Parkinson’s disease drug, which has been adopted world-wide.
On behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia, I extend congratulations and good wishes to the people and Government of Israel on the celebration of Yom Haatzmaut – Independence Day.
