Alumni
Opportunities

Alumni Say

• 

  March 11, 2024

  Yuval

  Garin Regba Southeast (Fl), Summer 2019

  When my Garin and I arrived in Moshav Regba, we were immediately welcomed with open arms not only by our amazing Garin…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/fimage-6.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Yuval</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Regba Southeast (Fl), Summer 2019</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>When my Garin and I arrived in Moshav Regba, we were immediately welcomed with open arms not only by our amazing Garin Tzabar rakezet and madricha but also by the entire community and my incredible host family. After my army service I decided to stay for 2 more years on the moshav, and I can safely say leaving Regba felt almost as hard as leaving home in 2019. I am forever grateful to have had my Garin and Moshav Regba by my side through my service and up until today.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> </p></div>

• 

  March 11, 2024

  Ari

  Kfar Tzabar Ra’anana Village, Garin Mechinot Summer 2022

  As alluring as it sounds, many true challenges lie in the decision to make aliyah and enlist in the IDF as a lone…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/himage-7.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Ari</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kfar Tzabar Ra’anana Village, Garin Mechinot Summer 2022</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>As alluring as it sounds, many true challenges lie in the decision to make aliyah and enlist in the IDF as a lone soldier. Garin Tzabar has provided me and my friends with the framework to approach this great service that would have been missing otherwise. Ra’anana has and will be my home throughout my time as a commander.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> </p></div>

• 

  March 11, 2024

  Gabby

  Kibbutz Ein Tzurim. Religious Garin, Summer 2023

  There is no better program for a lone soldier to draft through than Garin Tzabar. I am so grateful for the community,…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/simage-8.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Gabby</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Ein Tzurim. Religious Garin, Summer 2023</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>There is no better program for a lone soldier to draft through than Garin Tzabar. I am so grateful for the community, support, and best friends that Garin Tzabar has gifted me with.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> </p></div>

• 

  March 11, 2024

  Roi

  Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan. Students Garin, Summer 2023

  When I first saw Kibbutz Ramat Yohahan I couldn’t believe how amazing the kibbutz was, and even more importantly…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-9.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Roi</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Ramat Yohanan. Students Garin, Summer 2023</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>When I first saw Kibbutz Ramat Yohahan I couldn’t believe how amazing the kibbutz was, and even more importantly how amazing the people are. My Garin and my Kibbutz give me support throughout the most meaningful journey of my life and I truly could not imagine being a lone soldier without them.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> </p></div>

• 

  March 24, 2024

  Hannah

  Kibbutz Kvutzat Yavne 2014

  There is no other way I could have imagined this journey without the help of Garin Tzabar. The first question people…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image-5.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Hannah</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Kvutzat Yavne 2014</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>There is no other way I could have imagined this journey without the help of Garin Tzabar.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>The first question people would ask me in Israel was WHY would an American girl make Aliyah to serve in the military? To me, the answer is simple and clear: as Jews, regardless of geographical location, we have a responsibility to contribute to the fabric of our people’s history and narrative. For me, that meant joining the IDF and living the dream of thousands of Jews who came before me. A person is defined through his or her actions, and I believe that those actions must reflect the set of values central to that person. I understood that Israel serves as the critical homeland for the Jewish people, and that it would be an honor to help defend it.</p> <p>There is no other way I could have imagined this journey without the help of Garin Tzabar. I essentially had no network in Israel, and had no idea how to move there and join the Army. Not only did Garin Tzabar provide me with logistical help from making Aliyah to opening a bank account to successfully taking all of the army tests, but they also provided me with the essential support system and family to guide me during my time in Israel. In December 2014, I made Aliyah with Garin Tzabar and moved to Kvutzat Yavne with 30 other lone soldiers. I was paired with an incredible host family who dropped me off at the bus stop at 6 am on Sunday mornings, attended all of my army ceremonies, cooked me gluten free food for Shabbat (and even cake for the week!), and most importantly, served as my new family in Israel. To this day, my best friends in Israel are my friends from my Garin, and my host family at the Kibbutz is still my Israeli family.</p> <p>I drafted to the IDF in April 2015 as an infantry instructor and specialized in training combat soldiers how to use five weapons, including shoulder missiles and grenade launchers. Having the opportunity to have worked with the most incredible soldiers, on bases and units across Israel, provided me with the unique and unparalleled experience of gaining a sense of Israeli identity. My experience in the army allowed me to view the strength of Israel from within and furthered my conviction surrounding the importance of defending our land. It taught me that the purpose of life is to live for a greater purpose, and to think about the soldier or friend next to you before you think about yourself.</p> <p>I will be forever grateful to Garin Tzabar for being a vital piece to not only my journey, but to the journey of hundreds of lone soldiers, past, present and future.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 17, 2023

  Yotam

  Garin Yehiam 2017

  I can’t imagine what drafting would have been like without Garin Tzabar… I honestly recommend to anyone…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/image-4.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Yotam</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Yehiam 2017</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>I can’t imagine what drafting would have been like without Garin Tzabar… I honestly recommend to anyone who’s thinking of making Aliyah, to come with GZ.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>When I graduated from High-School in 2014, I already knew I wanted to come back to Israel and serve in the IDF. There were several reasons behind my desire to serve. Passion, feelings of obligation (positive ones), and a desire to grow and learn.</p> <p>My connection to Israel has always been deep. I was born in Jerusalem. I lived there for 12 years and since I moved to Australia in 2008 there hadn’t been a year where I didn’t come back to visit. Israel will always be a home to me, it’s my family, my friends, my culture, and my heritage.</p> <p>Landing back in Israel always feels like being back home. I have to admit I always get a bit teary. I miss the air, the water the views. I know that when you’re living there, it sounds kind of funny, but every time I’m gone for a while, you really do start to miss those things.</p> <p>I can’t imagine what drafting would have been like without Garin Tzabar. I’ve heard some horror-stories of people making Aliyah without them, and I honestly recommend to anyone who’s thinking of making Aliyah, to come with GZ and utilize the tools and help they are offering.</p> <p>Although I’m back in Australia I can say undoubtedly that the army has helped me in almost every aspect of life. It has changed my perspective on things, has made me more responsible for myself and those around me. It made me realise that anything that needs to be done; can be done. It also certainly doesn’t hurt to talk about it in interviews!</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2023

  Sam

  Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi 2012

  I chose to do Garin Tzabar since I would be able to make Aliyah and draft into the army with fellow Lone Soldiers and…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/image-3.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Sam</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi 2012</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>I chose to do Garin Tzabar since I would be able to make Aliyah and draft into the army with fellow Lone Soldiers and that we would all be going through the same difficulties.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>My first time in Israel, without my family, was when I came for a gap-year program. While living in Israel that year I realized it was the first time I truly felt at home. It was always my dream to serve in the IDF but being in Israel cemented my decision to join the IDF, to serve and protect the Jewish nation. My decision to make Aliyah wasn’t easy. I knew that I would be leaving my life in the US and moving away from my parents, but it was worth it.</p> <p>I made Aliyah in the winter of 2012 through Garin Tzabar. My Garin was placed on Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi in the Jordan value. I served as a commander in the 401st Shiryon Brigade. I chose Shiryon because I wanted to draft into a unit where I would be around less lone soldiers, specifically English speakers, so I would be more immersed in Hebrew. I knew that Shiryon would have a very technical high level of Hebrew that in the long run would help me integrate better into Israeli society.</p> <p>I chose to do Garin Tzabar since I would be able to make Aliyah and draft into the army with fellow Lone Soldiers and that we would all be going through the same difficulties. It was an amazing experience and my Garin family helped me through the hard times in my service. I finished my service after 3 significant and intense years.</p> <p>I am now studying Computer Science in the International Program at IDC and I have just completed my first year.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 3, 2023

  Esther

  Kibbutz Kvutzat Yavne 2017

  From the moment I arrived at Kibbutz Kvutzat Yavneh I knew I had found the support system I was hoping for, provided by…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/eimage-2.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Esther</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Kvutzat Yavne 2017</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>From the moment I arrived at Kibbutz Kvutzat Yavneh I knew I had found the support system I was hoping for, provided by Garin Tzabar. My kibbutz isn’t just my home away from home and my Garin my friends, Yavneh is my home and my Garin is my family.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>My name is Esther Seif and I made Aliyah from New York. I am currently a year into my military service in the International Cooperation Unit of the Israel Defense forces.</p> <p>My job includes working with the United Nation Peacekeeping forces in Syria and Lebanon to prevent any escalation of hostilities and maintain the quiet along the northern border of Israel.<br /> Prior to my Aliyah my biggest fear wasn’t the drafting process or the experience I would have in the army. With most of my family and friends back in New York, I was concerned I would be left without the support system that the average Israeli takes for granted while approaching the drafting to the IDF process.</p> <p>Yet from the moment I arrived at Kibbutz Kvutzat Yavneh in August 2017 I knew I had found the support system I was hoping for, provided by Garin Tzabar.<br /> Beyond the warmth with which the kibbutz greeted us, the incredible staff that take care of our every need, and our adoptive families that opened their homes and hearts, my fellow participants became my family. Each of us is undergoing a uniquely challenging experience in the army that neither our friends and family back home nor our Israeli peers can fully understand, but our Garin is always there for us.</p> <p>Coming home on weekends provides me with the strength to overcome the hardships of the weeks ahead and give the same support to my friends. My kibbutz isn’t just my home away from home and my Garin my friends, Yavneh is my home and my Garin is my family.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 17, 2021

  Einat

  Garin Ein Hahoresh 2019

  During my service, my Garin and my Rakezet Keren served as my second family, and I couldn’t be happier with my…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/image-10.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Einat</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Ein Hahoresh 2019</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>During my service, my Garin and my Rakezet Keren served as my second family, and I couldn’t be happier with my decisions to come back to Israel with Garin Tzabar!</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>My name is Einat Senderovitz from Kibbutz Ein Hahoresh 2019. Growing up as a teenager in Sunnyvale California, I wasn’t always certain that I will move back to Israel and join the army.</p> <p>Tzofim was a big part of my life , as I was a Merakezet in Shevet HaMifratz. Looking back, my Tzofim friends and values are big part of why I came back to Israel as a soldier.</p> <p>During my service, my Garin and my Rakezet Keren served as my second family, and I couldn’t be happier with my decisions to come back to Israel with Garin Tzabar!</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 17, 2021

  Noa

  Garin Lahav 2017

  It was all I could imagine and a whole lot more. I made friends that are now my family and experienced adventures I…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/image-11.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Noa</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Lahav 2017</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>It was all I could imagine and a whole lot more. I made friends that are now my family and experienced adventures I never thought were possible.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>I made Aliyah in December 2017 as part of the Australian Garin and joined the Europe and South American Garins in Libbutz Lahav, near Be-er Sheva. I enjoyed every second of my stay there and met friends that I will keep in touch with forever and which I am still close with today, four years later. During the absorption period we were taught everything we need to know to become an Israeli 18 year old waiting to draft, because, of course we had no knowledge about the army and its roles like most Israelis do. Apart from that we got to bond, have movie nights, dinners and basically have fun all while preparing for the army and settling down in Israel!</p> <p>I drafted in March 2018 to a combat unit of 8200 and it was all I could imagine and a whole lot more. I made friends that are now my family and experienced adventures I never thought were possible. Yes, it’s not all smiles and happy faces but yes, everything that happens in the army helps you grow as a person and learn more about yourself and others.</p> <p>I made Aliyah as I have never lived in Israel before, and wanted to experience what every other 18 year old my age did. I wanted to meet new friends and have fun, but also to get to know myself more and have a clearer vision of what I want in life which is hard to understand at age 18. Of course, I also wanted to help my country which I felt I wasn’t completely part of until now!</p> <p>I’m so grateful I found Garin Tzabar. They were able to support me along the entire way and ensures I have the smoothest transition into a foreign country which I can now call my home.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 17, 2021

  Noy

  Garin Lahav 2017

  If I had to summarise Garin Tzabar in one word, it would be community… we were a community in everything we did. If I…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/image-13.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Noy</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Lahav 2017</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>If I had to summarise Garin Tzabar in one word, it would be <q>community</q>… we were a community in everything we did.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>If I had to summarize my time in the Garin Tzabar program in one word, I would use the word <q>community</q>. From the first time we stepped foot in the Kibbutz, to our Hebrew lessons and lunch in the food hall, we were a community in everything we did. We were lone soldiers who were not alone because of Garin Tzabar and all it taught us and gave us. It taught us about the values required to become a soldier in the IDF, about the different opportunities we had throughout the drafting process and how to live with complete strangers and turn them to your closest friends. I can’t praise Garin Tzabar enough for all it gave me, including the platform to be the best soldier, and now the best citizen of Israel, that I could be.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 17, 2021

  Ariel

  Garin Lahav 2016

  I’ve never felt more support in my life. There was an entire organisation full of motivated people, whose job was…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/image-14.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Ariel</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Lahav 2016</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>I’ve never felt more support in my life. There was an entire organisation full of motivated people, whose job was to make my life as easy as possible so that I can serve my country.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>Looking back, I can say that making Aliya and joining the IDF was the easiest and best decision I have ever made. That I would make the same decision a million times over. After all, I am a better person today because of it. However, putting myself in the same shoes I was in all those years ago, a young high school graduate who had college on my mind since forever…the decision to drop it all was not so easy. Regardless of how badly I wanted to draft, I remember how stressed out I was about the whole process: do I make Aliya, should I graduate college first, do I really want to waste 3 years of my life, etc… These were my thoughts during the point that the Garin Tzabar seminars started. One seminar after the next, all my questions were starting to get answers, and my stress started to dissipate. I was no longer confused; my next steps were clear as day: hold off on college, make Aliya, and draft into the best unit I could get into. There is no time like the present. So, along with the family that was forged in the months before the move, I picked up my things and moved to Israel. I never felt more support in my life. There was an entire organization, full of motivated people, whose job was to make my life as easy as possible so that I can serve my country. And they were there for me throughout the whole journey. From the absorption period, to life on the kibbutz, to drafting, and throughout my entire service, Garin Tzabar was there in all its might. Problem, questions, help, advice… whatever it was, I definitely did not feel like a lone soldier. And of course, the friends that I lived with, eventually became my family away from home. Till today we are still in contact, and I could not be prouder. I am forever in debt to Garin Tzabar for giving me the clarity, the drive, and the support that I needed to help me make the most important decision of my life. You don’t need to make this step with Garin Tzabar, but you definitely want to.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 4, 2021

  Gil

  Garin Lahav 2017

  I find myself still surrounded by the love and support of the family that Garin Tzabar gave me. I’ve always been the…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image-15.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Gil</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Lahav 2017</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>I find myself still surrounded by the love and support of the family that Garin Tzabar gave me.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>I’ve always been the “Israeli girl” in every group of friends that I had throughout years of living around the world – especially in Melbourne, where I grew up most of my life. I was known as the one who lights Hannukah candles and speaks some foreign language at home. When I began to talk about moving to Israel and joining the IDF at the end of high school, that really cemented this title amongst my confused but supportive group of friends. Just the thought of going made even me feel more Israeli, but nothing really could have prepared me for what happened next.</p> <p>From the get-go of landing in Israel, I realized that everything I thought I knew was just a tiny spec of what Israeli life really is. The culture shock was a serious understatement to what I was feeling at the time, this is where Garin Tzabar came in. Whilst I was adjusting to life in Israel, somewhere up there someone was taking care of every piece of bureaucracy that exists for me, two soldiers were acting as our mothers/friends/psychologists/teachers to help us get out of our state of total shock, improve our Hebrew substantially, prepare us for different miyunim and gibbushim and break up this crazy country and into little chunks that we could take in one at a time.</p> <p>Three years after that initial shock, following a challenging but amazing service, weekends coming to a Kibbutz that I no longer saw as a weird summer camp but my home, and a whole lot of beloved memories, I stumble into a virus-ridden civilian life, I find myself still surrounded by the love and support of the family that Garin Tzabar gave me including a mashakit that kept me afloat well after her official job was done and as cheesy and cliché as it sounds, I don’t doubt that they’ll be sticking around for life.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 4, 2021

  Maya

  Garin Afikim 2016

  I highly recommend Garin Tzabar to anyone who is interested in making Aliyah and joining the IDF. It gave me a second…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/image-16.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Maya</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Afikim 2016</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>I highly recommend Garin Tzabar to anyone who is interested in making Aliyah and joining the IDF. It gave me a second family, and I never felt alone here.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>Five years ago when I was a senior in high school, I was debating between going to college or joining Garin Tzabar. I have been wanting to move back to Israel for a very long time, but I wasn’t sure when would be right for me. Once I started attending the seminars, I got close to other people who felt like I did. I got to know the people I will live and spend the next few years with. When I moved to Israel I became a part of Kibbutz Afikim in 2016, and it quickly became my home.</p> <p>I drafted the following January as a ground forces instructor and I specialized in specific weapons such as hand grenades and shoulder missiles. I then went on to work in the Kfir Brigade and Instructed many people that were challenging but amazing.</p> <p>I often looked forward to the weekends so I could go back home and be with my Garin. We would always take trips around the Kinneret.</p> <p>Living with my Garin was one of the best times in my life. We are still very close today, and we try to meet as much as possible.</p> <p>I highly recommend this Garin Tzabar to anyone who is interested in making Aliyah and joining the IDF.</p> <p>It gave me a second family, and I never felt alone here.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 2, 2020

  Sam

  Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi 2012

  Garin Tzabar’s extra care, compassion and understanding of what we were going through transformed my army experience…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-17.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Sam</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi 2012</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>Garin Tzabar’s extra care, compassion and understanding of what we were going through transformed my army experience and is a major factor in my decision to continue mylife in Israel.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>I write this on the 7 year anniversary of my Aliyah and, despite the time that has passed, my reasons for making Aliyah are as relevant as ever. I came to Israel due to a sense of responsibility and community that was awakened in me during a roots trip to Poland. I asked myself, why would I not move to Israel after so many generations of Jews lived without a country to call their own? While New Zealand is a wonderful country and the home of Middle Earth, it is not the home of the Jewish people, here began my Aliyah plans.</p> <p>I had never heard of Garin Tzabar, however, after it was recommended by the Aliyah advisor, I was quickly welcomed by the warm team who, despite the distance, were able to assist me in the actualization of my Aliyah plans and the daunting drafting process. I was placed on Kibbutz Tirat Zvi and provided a crash course in the Israeli army. Things that Israeli children had grown up with and learnt from their friends and family, we were taught in the classroom to ensure we could fully immerse ourselves and feel as comfortable as possible in the army experience.</p> <p>Throughout my service, it was always exciting and comforting returning to Kibbutz on my weekends off. I knew that I had a host family, the Garin Tzabar representatives as well as a large group of like-minded, supportive friends.</p> <p>The memory that most affirms my decision to be a part of the Garin Tzabar family was after Operation Protective Edge. Myself and 9 others from the team were injured on the last night of the operation. After being released from the hospital and returning to my apartment in Tel Aviv, my roommates and I were visited by the head of our Garin program who was doing rounds visiting the Garin soldiers, providing us with not only gifts but the care and support we lacked. This extra care, compassion and understanding of what we were going through transformed my army experience and is a major factor in my decision to continue my life in Israel.</p> <p>While Garin Tzabar acted as my family during my service, my sister has now made aliyah and drafted to the army through Garin Tzabar. My positive memories of the assistance afforded me by Garin Tzabar during my service has encouraged her and I am sure many others to continue to come to Israel, draft to the army and realise our dream of a Jewish homeland.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2019

  Tamar

  Kibbutz Yechiam 2013

  Garin Tzabar gave me the privilege of having a second family, any difficulty or apprehensions were put away quite…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-18.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Tamar</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Yechiam 2013</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>Garin Tzabar gave me the privilege of having a second family, any difficulty or apprehensions were put away quite quickly knowing the support system I had through Garin Tzabar and my Garin.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>In 2012, I came to Israel on a gap year, thinking that afterwards I’d return home to Atlanta, go to college and continue my life in America. I remember the exact day I realized I wanted to join the army. I was sitting on a train, like any other day, when a big group of soldiers came on board. I remember looking at them and realizing that they were my age. Kids my age. If things were different and my family had not moved to America, that would be me right now. It hit me hard. I couldn’t shake off that feeling. And true enough, in 2013, I joined the ranks myself and became one of those soldiers.</p> <p>I served as a sniper instructor and trained army reserves before they took their post in the West Bank. I had an amazing service, filled with incredible people, experiences and challenges.</p> <p>It’s hard to summarize these meaningful two years in a few sentences, so I’ll just say that joining the army changed my life and helped mold me into who I am today.</p> <p>Garin Tzabar felt like the backbone throughout my service. My Garin in Yechiam was with me every step of the way from arriving in Israel, army placement, milestones throughout my services, hanging out on weekends and so much more.</p> <p>Today, I try to give back to the organization that helped me so much. I volunteer as a counselor on Garin Tzabar, helping the next generation of future lone soldiers decide, just like me, to make this crazy step to join the IDF and fulfill their dreams.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2019

  Jacob

  Kibbutz Lavi 2013

  We had someone who truly could understand what we went through, chances were, they faced similar challenges that week…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-19.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Jacob</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Lavi 2013</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>We had someone who truly could understand what we went through, chances were, they faced similar challenges that week as well, coming back to Kibbutz Lavi on my off weekends truly felt like coming home.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>At the age of 17 I took a trip to Poland, standing in a gas chamber in Auschwitz touching the blue stained walls I swore to make Aliyah and serve in the Israeli army so this may never again. As I started to prepare for my army service, I thought ahead to what sort of challenges I may face as a future IDF lone soldier the obvious were physical and the language. I started working out and improved my Hebrew. There was one challenge however that I never could anticipate, my support network of friends and family were still back in the states and none of them could understand the challenges of being a soldier.</p> <p>When telling the folks back home stories half the time I was explaining army terminology instead of what happened or how I felt about it. The other soldiers on Kibbutz Lavi and I started as strangers but through Perek Klita we quickly became family, We relied on each other for comfort and friendship. when we went through hard times in the army, we had someone who truly could understand what we went through, chances were, they faced similar challenges that week as well.</p> <p>My host Family was incredible, even though they had seven children still had enough love to adopt me and send me back to the army with a box of homemade cookies. Coming back to Kibbutz Lavi on my off weekends truly felt like coming home. Even now after my service when I visit my adoptive family on kibbutz the smell of cow still invokes homely feelings.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2019

  Danielle

  Kibbutz Yechiam 2013

  Garin Tzabar gave me the privilege of having a second family, any difficulty or apprehensions were put away quite…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-20.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Danielle</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Yechiam 2013</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>Garin Tzabar gave me the privilege of having a second family, any difficulty or apprehensions were put away quite quickly knowing the support system I had through Garin Tzabar and my Garin.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>I decided to make Aliyah with Garin Tzabar after I did a gap year program in Israel for a year. Living in Israel and understanding the culture, vibe and atmosphere made my decision one of the easiest ones I’ve had to make.</p> <p>I lived on Kibbutz Yehiam with 30 Garin Tzabar Members soon to be lone soldiers from all over the world and what made this experience so unique was the difference within our cultures and how they came together, turning us into a family. We shared weekends together, shabbat dinners with hosts families, and even when we had the chance to go travel around Israel, for the most part we all preferred to come back to the Kibbutz.</p> <p>Garin Tzabar gave me the privilege of having a second family that until this day share the same WhatsApp group created the day we started in 2013! We have shared celebrations, hardships, losses, gatherings and so many more turning points in our lives that have only brought us closer together. We all supported each other and were there for each other, because at the end of the day we all shared that similarity of leaving our homes to serve in the IDF. Being an IDF solider was an experience, and I mean it exactly as it sounds, an experience. It was filled with every emotion possible: rewarding, hard, empowering, fun, tough, and so many other emotions I can try to put into words but won’t fully be able to explain. What I can say though, is that it was worth it. It was worth the hard times with any obstacles put my way or fears I needed to come, as well as the moments that made me laugh and cry of joy and pride defending my country.</p> <p>I learned the true meaning of friendship and family, not only through the immense support of my Garin but through our country, standing strong and standing together.</p> <p>Any difficulty or apprehensions were put away quite quickly knowing the support system I had through Garin Tzabar and my Garin. Its a journey that I will be forever grateful for and will be instilled in my heart forever.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2019

  Dafna

  Garin Tzabar village Ibim 2017

  Coming home to my friends in Garin Tzabar was a big part of the reason I got through it all. They took on the role of…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-21.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Dafna</h2><p class="p2 black l">Garin Tzabar village Ibim 2017</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>Coming home to my friends in Garin Tzabar was a big part of the reason I got through it all. They took on the role of my family–through the ups and downs.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>I drafted in March of 2017 through Garin Tzabar from Kfar Ibim. I remember the day so vividly: relinquishing my civilian clothes in exchange for a slightly oversized, green polyester uniform; being subject to people my age that were suddenly now my commanders. I remember looking back at my friends and Rakaz, smiling and waiting patiently as I boarded the bus. The army took some getting used to. Four months of running from point A to point B under time constraint, of waking up throughout the night for guard duty, of sleeping beneath countless stars in the desert and of studying daily about a system I would soon need to train soldiers to operate– it was exhausting. My garin was my primary source of solace in the early days, a group of people who understood the Zionistic pull, the challenges, the loneliness, and the desire to become a part of this system called “Tzahal”.</p> <p>When I look back to my army experience, I realize that coming home to my friends in Garin Tzabar was a big part of the reason I got through it all. They took on the role of my family–through the ups and downs, I was able to share my deepest fears, insecurities, and moments of pride with them.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2019

  Shiri

  Kibbutz Afikim 2013

  Thanks to Garin Tzabar and the support system they provided me and my Garin, I had an amazing home away from home with…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-22.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Shiri</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Afikim 2013</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>Thanks to Garin Tzabar and the support system they provided me and my Garin, I had an amazing home away from home with my fellow Garin mates and family for life!</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>I always had a huge love for Israel, and in 2013 I got on a one-way flight to Ben Gurion Airport and made Aliyah with Garin Tzabar in order to join the IDF as a lone soldier. I served as a Fitness Instructor in the Air Force during my service. Being a lone soldier in the IDF is very challenging but also very rewarding. I received the outstanding soldier award of 2015! I believe that this experience helped shape the person I am today. Making Aliyah and leaving everything you know behind is not easy, but thanks to Garin Tzabar and the support system they provided me and my Garin, I had an amazing home away from home with my fellow garin mates and family for life!</p> <p>Today I’m studying Interactive Communications at the IDC Herzliya. I am currently developing my professional career in Israel and I am very excited for what the future has in store!</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2019

  Liat

  Kibbutz Nir Yizhak 2014

  I chose to make Aliyah through Garin Tzabar because the process of moving to another country and making Aliyah can be…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-23.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Liat</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Nir Yizhak 2014</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>I chose to make Aliyah through Garin Tzabar because the process of moving to another country and making Aliyah can be very complicated and even lonely and Garin Tzabar was there to simplify things for me and the rest of the Garin.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>I made Aliyah in 2014 through Garin Tzabar to Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. I decided to make Aliyah, specifically to draft to the IDF because I felt that if Israeli citizens must draft to the army at the age of 18, why shouldn’t I have to? I felt very connected to Israel, the people, culture and religion since I was a little girl. To me, drafting to the army, was my way of officially belonging and giving back to the country that makes me feel at home. I chose to make Aliyah through Garin Tzabar because the process of moving to another country and making Aliyah can be very complicated and even lonely and Garin Tzabar was there to simplify things for me and the rest of the Garin.</p> <p>Moving to Israel with a group of people that are going through the same process as yourself; moving to a new country, missing home, trying to connect to a new lifestyle or just even being able to speak English, made the process that much easier. In the army I was a shooting instructor in the armored corps, although my base was very far and the food was horrendous, it was the most memorable and special two years of my life. I learned so much about what I am capable of doing, how strong Israel is and just what a beautiful country we are lucky enough to live in and fight for.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2019

  Shira

  Kibbutz Ortal 2009

  I couldn’t have done it without the support system I received from Garin Tzabar, it wouldn’t have been the…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Shira-g-Blog-1-copy.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Shira</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Ortal 2009</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>I couldn’t have done it without the support system I received from Garin Tzabar, it wouldn’t have been the same if I didn’t have Garin Tzabar.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>It’s been 10 years I can’t believe it.<br /> 10 years since I got on that plane, with 8 suitcases and that post I wrote on Facebook when it was just starting to get popular: “How do I fit a lifetime into 8 suitcases?” Garin Tzabar took us Kibbutz Ortal and it took us 4 hours to get there from Tel Aviv and as a city girl, I was in shock. Growing up in Rome, Italy was very different. The army was one of the best experiences in my life, being a Mashakit Tash (Army Social Worker) was a dream come true, I served on the Gaza border, made a lifetime friends, was part of something huge, part of Israel.</p> <p>Now days our Garin and I are celebrating our “Aliya-versary We went different ways, but most of us still live here in Israel, and know we have each other. After a BA and an MA from IDC Herzliya, launching I24NEWS and working there for 3 years, working in Debby Communications as a Media Consultant, getting engaged and married in Israel to an Israeli Ginger, these have been crazy 10 years- I couldn’t ask for more! Today I am the Associate Director of International Marketing at IDC Herzliya, I live in Tel Aviv the best city in the world and I fall in love with Israel over and over again.</p> <p>I couldn’t have done it without the support system I received from Garin Tzabar, and I can’t imagine coming here by myself, even though I have a lot of family here, and I speak Hebrew, if I didn’t have Garin Tzabar, it wouldn’t have been the same.</p> </p></div>

• 

  March 29, 2019

  Max

  Kibbutz Alumim 2013

  I knew that making Aliyah with a group of people my age who shared similar ideals and goals would help me solidify my…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-25.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Max</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Alumim 2013</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>I knew that making Aliyah with a group of people my age who shared similar ideals and goals would help me solidify my identity and strengthen my connection with Israel.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>I grew up with a strong Jewish Identity but in a predominantly non-Jewish area. I wanted to connect more to my history and roots, and that’s why I chose to Make Aliyah and Join Garin Tzabar as a lone soldier. I knew that making Aliyah with a group of people my age who shared similar ideals and goals would help me solidify my identity and strengthen my connection with Israel.</p> <p>This couldn’t have been more true, as I found myself with an amazing group of people on a kibbutz in the Negev called Alumim.<br /> I drafted in 2013 to the 890th Paratroopers Brigade and served as an Elite Sharpshooter in an urban combat platoon. During my two-year service I had many life-changing experiences, including taking part in Operation Protective Edge and serving in almost every other area in Israel.</p> </p></div>

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  March 26, 2019

  Danit

  Kibbutz Kissufim 2013

  Thanks to Garin Tzabar and the support system provided to me, I never felt alone These challenges and experiences built…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-26.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Danit</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Kissufim 2013</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>Thanks to Garin Tzabar and the support system provided to me, I never felt alone These challenges and experiences built me up and helped create the person I am today.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>Making Aliya was both the best thing that I ever did, and the hardest challenge I ever encountered. Coming to Israel and serving in the IDF as a lone soldier is not the “normal” path for an average American girl from California, especially with the pressure of college all around you. But at the age of 17, I knew that is what I wanted to do.</p> <p>Leaving my parents and sister was the hardest part, we are very close, and I was scared to live without that support system with me, especially in a different country.</p> <p>I lived in Kibbutz Kissufim, that welcomed all 28 Garin members with open arms. As a Garin, we created an amazing bond and we are all still very close 6 years after! These people, who I never met before making Aliya, became my family here in Israel. I knew I had the support system I needed and friends I can trust. I am so lucky to have met my Garin. Without having this support system, my experience could have been completely different.</p> <p>I enlisted to the Education unit as a “Mashakit Hod”. I started with a difficult 3 months course, and then served as a basic training commander at Michveh Alon. During my service of two years, I had to deal not only with being a soldier, which is emotionally and physically hard, but also dealing with being a lone soldier, which is harder. Still, Thanks to Garin Tzabar and the support system provided to me, I never felt alone These challenges and experiences built me up and helped create the person I am today.</p> <p>Are you ready to go?</p> </p></div>

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  March 26, 2019

  Shir

  Kibbutz Holit 2013

  From all of the different friends I have met throughout the years living in Israel, nothing compares to the family I…

  <div class="photo"><figure class="bg-img iblock" style="background-image:url(https://garintzabar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/image-26b.png);"><img src="/wp-content/themes/custom/img/1x1.webp" alt="*" class="max" width="228" /></figure><nav class="icons"></nav></div><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><hgroup><p class="block grey p6 l">March 23, 2024</p><h2 class="h2 l black">Shir</h2><p class="p2 black l">Kibbutz Holit 2013</p><div class="fw7 f1 black l"><script> document.cookie = "lang=en_US; path=/; expires=Fri, 31 Dec 9999 23:59:59 GMT"; location.href = window.location.href; </script><p>From all of the different friends I have met throughout the years living in Israel, nothing compares to the family I have made through Garin Tzabar.</p></hgroup><div class="rest content f1 black j clr"> <p>My name is Shir Kleyman, I’m 24 years old, and I’m originally from California (although now I identify as an Israeli). I made Aliya with Garin Tzabar in the summer of 2013 to Kibbutz Holit and drafted six months later as an infantry instructor. After spending 6 months training, I surprised myself (and everyone who knew me) and became a driving instructor on heavy APC’s (Armored personal carrier) called, “Achzarit”.</p> <p>Back home I was known for not having my driver’s license, and then became one of the most professional driving instructors in my field. There wasn’t a wheel I couldn’t change or a soldier I couldn’t handle. I had the pleasure of instructing combat soldiers from a variety of infantry units in the IDF and still serve in reserves today.</p> <p>From all of the different friends I have met throughout the years living in Israel, nothing compares to the family I have made through Garin Tzabar. They have been there for me through celebrations, hardships, apartment moves, and more. My Kibbutz roommate is still my roommate today (shout out to Tevel Aroussi)! I am now a 3rd year Communications student at IDC Herzliya, and continue to build my life here in Israel</p> </p></div>