On April 28th, a group of 7 fathers (2 of them RSM parents) embarked on a 3 week program, entitled Sar-El, to work at an Israeli military base. Created in 1982 by Gen. Davidi, Sar-El is a division of the IDF (Israeli Defense Force). Davidi himself was a head of the IDF Paratroopers Corps.

The group of 7 joined other volunteers from around the world (including Canada, Russia, France, Chech Republic, U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and S. Africa). They were  assigned to various projects for IDF maintenance bases, work usually done by Israeli reservist. They lived in the same conditions as other Israeli soldiers: slept in the barracks, ate at the mess halls, etc. During the weekend, they traveled all over the state of Israel.

The pictures posted in the next three pages are contributed by Mr. Rifkin. They start at various US Jewish points (Miami Holocaust Memorial, Boston rally, and ground zero in NYC), continue to the army base in Israel and end in his weekend trip to Jerusalem.

Another group of parent volunteers is currently planning a similiar Sar-El trip during Christmas vacation. More information about Sar-El can be found at their website. The trip covers all expenses, except airfare.