Israel Experience is a unique element to FZY Year Course. This is an opportunity for chanichim to pursue an area that they are particularly interested in. The emphasis here is on individual option and choice. Year Course provides a huge number of different options every year for chanichim to choose from, the exact choices will be presented once Year Coursers are in Israel, however the following are just a selection of the options that have been provided in previous years. List: MDA, Kibbutz, etc etc
MADA - Magen David Adom
Magen David Adom provides emergency services throughout Israel and works with its volunteers to provide effective first-aid treatment. This option allows Year Coursers to be part of this mission and gain valuable hands-on experience giving first-aid care, while experiencing “real life” in Israel. After completing a week-long training course, participants spend 2 months volunteering on ambulances at various MADA stations across the country, side by side with Israeli volunteers and professionals. The work that the Year Course participants do with Magen David Adom saves lives and has a tangible effect on Israeli society. It can also be very challenging emotionally for the individual.
Kibbutz
Perhaps the most important characteristic of the kibbutz is its socialist roots. Members of the kibbutz participate in their community by working, and in return are provided with all of their day to day needs.
The kibbutz option provides Year Course chanichim with an inside perspective on an alternative Israeli lifestyle. Year Course chanichim are viewed as valuable contributors to the kibbutz and experience many aspects of kibbutz life. During the kibbutz component, chanichim live together in kibbutz housing. Meals are generally eaten in the communal dining room with kibbutz members.
Working alongside kibbutz members, chanichim may share duties in the field, gardens, factories, kitchen, dining hall or childcare facilities. They also become involved in kibbutz social and communal activities such as Shabbat and holiday celebrations, Israeli dancing, movie nights, swimming and other recreational activities. Year Course chanichim have the opportunity to be “adopted” by an Israeli kibbutz family, enabling them to form close relationships with these families and allowing a closer view of what kibbutz life means for the children and adults who reside there permanently.
Fire Service
After an initial training period with the Israeli Fire Service, Year Course participants are based in a fire station alongside Israeli firemen/firewomen. Throughout their shifts the chanichim take part in the daily routines of a fire fighter, which include cleaning the fire engine, checking the equipment and running through drills. When the alarm sounds, participants have seconds to be in full uniform, down the fireman’s poll and onto the fire engine. When they arrive at the call-out, chanichim assist the fire fighters from a safe distance, sometimes saving lives in the process.
Safari
Israel has only one safari park and Year Course chanichim are lucky enough to have the option to volunteer there. Ramat Gan Safari Park is home to animals including lions, tigers, hippos and rhinos, and within the safari park there is an enclosed petting zoo with monkeys, elephants, giraffes and gorillas. Year Course chanichim feed the animals, clear away their mess and make unforgettable connections with the visitors to the safari park as well as the animals.
Etgarim
Etgarim is an outdoor sports club for the disabled. Year Course participants volunteer with this organisation and take its members out on sports adventures including sailing, rope sports such as abseiling, and a number of other challenging outdoor sports.
Tirat Hayeled Orphanage
Netanya is home to an orphanage called Tirat Hayeled. Year Course chanichim live and volunteer at this outstanding institution and make bonds with the children which reside there. Through helping prepare the kids meals, putting them to bed and helping with their schoolwork, a special connection is made, which impacts the lives of both the children and the Year Course chanichim.
Masada
Here, chanichim work in the National Park of Masada, helping clean the site, excavating, renovating and helping the professional staff work in one of the most famous and exciting Jewish historical and archaeological sites.
Other Options
The above is only a short list; there are many other options that Year Coursers have done in the past including: hospital work, , working with children through football clubs and even volunteering for the Israel Sea Turtle Rescue Centre!
|
