Liat Goldfarb – Kibbutz Alumim 2013

"My kibbutz coordinator did a wonderful job helping us integrate into Israel and kibbutz life and paired us with wonderful families with whom we still keep in touch to this day.”

I remember the first time I was let off of base to go home for Shabbat. It was a Friday afternoon in the middle of January and we made our way out of the base towards the street with the parking spots and bus stops. As we passed the gate of the base, many of my friends from training ran towards the parents who had come to pick them up and were waiting for them on the outside. 

That was the moment it hit me – my parents are miles and miles away and I will be figuring out how to get home on my own, with less than 50% left on my phone’s battery and while carrying two large backpacks.  Several hours later, I was still slowly making my way home to the kibbutz, when my phone rang and my host mom informed me that she and her husband were on their way back to the kibbutz as well and that they could pick me up on their way.
More than I enjoyed the pleasant ride all the way back to my apartment, I was truly grateful for the care and concern I received from them that day and throughout the rest of my army service and beyond it. 

Garin Tzabar made this connection possible – my kibbutz coordinator did a wonderful job helping us integrate into Israel and kibbutz life and paired us with wonderful families with whom we still keep in touch to this day. I went on to enjoy a wonderful army service, supported by a great Garin, and knowing that I always have a home and a family on the kibbutz.  

Two years ago I began working for Garin Tzabar helping prepare future Garinim for their journey in Israel.  It is a true honor being able to work for the same organization that helped me on my way and gave me so much in the process