Like so many Jews around the world, the magnitude of the horrors of October 7 and the shock emanating from it deeply affected me. Almost immediately, I said I must do something … I need to do something to try to help.
I made the decision to travel to Israel to volunteer. I needed to be in Israel and hopefully Israel needed me too!
I spent 2 weeks as a Sar-El volunteer at an IDF base assisting in a logistical support role where I packed supplies for the soldiers, which were then transported directly to Gaza.
I sorted clothes for displaced people, at Eran’s Angels in Tel Aviv.
I chopped vegetables at Meir Panim, a soup kitchen in Or Akiva, as well as filled bags with essential food items for the needy.
I travelled to an army base with a vegan food van, ‘J17’, to feed 600 Givati fighters of the Rottem battalion.
I picked cherry tomatoes through the Leket organization, to help out a farmer on a moshav.
I helped out at a BBQ for soldiers positioned 2 km from Gaza.
In Jerusalem, I worked with Tachlit, another amazing voluntary organisation, packing and distributing fresh produce to displaced people and others in need.
In addition to my volunteering activities, I also travelled down south to Sderot, Zikim and the Nova site etc, where I met and talked to some extraordinary people, both soldiers and Israelis. We stopped at Shuva Achim (Shuva Brothers) to donate much needed towels to soldiers who gratefully accepted them.
Upon returning to Melbourne from Israel, I made a pledge to all the Israelis I met whilst volunteering, that I’d come home and spread the word ..
So…I produced a documentary about my volunteering experiences, to hopefully inspire others to do it too.
Very proud to report that so far 6 people are now planning to volunteer in Israel as a result of watching my documentary.
“Just watched your video and I wanted to text you – I have no words – it is so uplifting and gut wrenching at the same time – from the lightness of your quality control in picking tomatoes to the beauty patriotism and pride of the kids singing Am Israel Chai to the unavoidable tears from the Nova festival and following bring them home scenes – your video says and captures everything that needed to be captured in such a heartfelt way – I was so very moved by it.
I can tell it was an unforgettable experience for you and I’m sure by retelling it in the way you have you will inspire many other diaspora Jews. You should feel so proud of what you did to contribute to bringing the hostages home and peace for Israel. Let’s only hope for peace to come to Israel and an end to all this vile antisemitism at home.”
“I just finished watching your video
It was absolutely beautiful very uplifting u have inspired me to do the same thing !!
I think what u did is so much more a worthwhile experience as u r contributing and supporting at the same time.”
About the Author
Vicki Kaplan lives in Melbourne, Australia
I am a retired primary school teacher, mother of 3 adult children, avid hiker, golfer, outdoor adventurer and have travelled to over 40 countries.
Following the harrowing events of Oct 7 in Israel, I felt compelled to share my feelings.
This is my personal reflection.
