Maya Geva- 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 family, and I never felt alone here.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

I highly recommend this 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.