Article No.1 Voices

Voices From Israel is a new column that The Jewish Federation is proud to contribute as part of our Israel Program Center. In order to develop closer ties between Las Vegas and Israel there will be occasional submissions from Las Vegans who have participated in programs in Israel or made Aliyah (moved to Israel) with the help of the Israel Program Center. The article below is written by Jonathon Berman, a Las Vegas native who recently made Aliyah with the help of the Israel Program Center. Voices From Israel: Article 1 Following a Dream I am Jonathon Berman. I am 26 years old, Jewish, a Las Vegas Native, and almost one year ago I made Aliyah to Israel. Along with some personal goals and a desire to experience life and culture outside the U.S. since my Birthright trip in 2011, I have had a dream of giving back to Israel through service in the IDF (Israeli Defense Force). It was a long process, but as of right now I am a Chayal Boded (Lone Soldier- A soldier with no family within Israel). Initially, I looked into volunteer options but hit roadblocks due to my age, 24 at that time. I found an alternative way to join the IDF by making Aliyah and completing the 6-month mandatory service. I was given a spot in a 5 month Hebrew course on a Kibbutz in the north of Israel. I packed my bags and last November I boarded an El-AL flight to begin my journey. I remember landing at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel-Aviv with a deep fear that for some reason my friend was not going to be there to pick me up. I feared I would be stranded and that I had made a big mistake. I spoke absolutely no Hebrew. After an hour of paperwork, I retrieved my bags and I was relieved to find my friend. What I find extremely interesting about the timing of my Aliyah was that within 24 hours of landing in Israel, Operation Pillar Defense began. A war within one day might be enough for a lot of people to think, “this was a bad idea.” Instead, I chose to stand by my decision. I moved onto Kibbutz Ein Hashofet a week later and over the next 6 months (I stayed an extra month as a volunteer) I started learning a new language and living a new life. The Kibbutz volunteer program gives you the chance to meet people from all over the world. It is an incredible experience and I would highly recommend it as a way to spend a summer vacation before or during University. I entered into the lowest level class, but after learning how to read I requested to move up to the next level class to increase my workload. We studied three times a week and worked in various parts of the Kibbutz twice a week, with Fridays and Saturdays free. In April, I completed my Tzav Rishon (First Summons) for the army. I went to a draft office and completed various interviews as well as tests. It started with an interview on everything I’ve have done since age 10, followed by a Hebrew test. Afterwards I had a physical followed by a puzzle/problem solving test. Lastly, because I am a Lone Soldier, I had an additional interview to determine what kind of support I was to receive from the army. Based on interactions with the staff and answers to some obscure questions, they scored my personality. My Hebrew test went poorly, but on my physical, personality, and problem solving tests I received the maximum scores. Later in April I received my Tzav Giyus (Draft Notice). I was to report for duty in August. In June I spent another full day at the draft office to interview with a pair of Generals to seek approval for an extension of my service. At 26 years old, they only require 6 months of service, and in order to be a combat soldier there is a minimum of 1.5 years. My goal is to be in Tzanhanim, the Israeli Paratrooper Brigade. If I continue to excel I will be given the opportunity to try out for the Elite Special Forces unit. I spent the summer on the beaches of Tel-Aviv, trying various shwarma and falafel places, venturing around Tel-Aviv/Yafo, and visiting friends back on the Kibbutz. In July, I was approved for Lone Soldier housing on a Kibbutz Ein Harod Meuhad near Afula and have lived here ever since. I received an adopted family here. In August, I started the lowest level of basic training, which only lasts one month. At our swearing in ceremony, I received an award for outstanding soldier during basic training from within my unit. I am currently in the army Hebrew course. Next month I will try out for the Paratroopers. If you have any questions, are thinking of making Aliyah, just want to say, “hi!” or want to hear more specifics or stories from my life in Israel please feel free to email me at [email protected]. For more information about the Israel Program Center, participating in programs in Israel, or making Aliyah please contact Udi Hager, Jewish Agency Israel Fellow to Hillel at [email protected] or 702.758.6996. .

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