Page 48 - HaMizrachi TuBiShvat 5784 North America

Olim Giving Back to Israel

Sarah Ertel

“My name is Sarah Ertel, originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I made Aliyah to Israel
for a full Jewish life and am now a bat sherut at ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran through Bat-Ami.

I moved to Israel to immerse myself in a community with values of faith, G-d-conscious-
ness, and living in the Jewish heartland. Believing that Jews belong in Israel, I made the
move and chose sherut leumi to integrate into Israeli society and culture, devoting a year
to national service. Learning Hebrew was important to me, and this experience helped
me feel more Israeli.

I met Doron Almog, the founder of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, while learning Hebrew at
Ulpan Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu. I was inspired by their work with special needs adults and
children, and the therapeutic use of horses and animals. Despite challenges, like being
close to Gaza on October 7th, I felt a strong resolve to continue their work there.

Being a lone bat sherut was intimidating yet exciting for me. Despite my limited Hebrew, I
found everyone welcoming and kind, helping me feel comfortable. After joining Ori Lone
Bnot Sherut - NBN, Karen from Nefesh B’Nefesh visited me, understanding my situation.
Ori supports lone bnot sherut nationwide, offering connection and help, especially during
challenging times.”
(PHOTO: OR BEN ZERIHAN)

Ariela Davis

“One of the first things we did when we made Aliyah 3.5 years ago was plant two fruit trees.
We arrived in Israel jobless with four kids, with the world in the throes of the coronavirus
and somehow those trees symbolized for us the promise that patience, time and hope
could bring. New fruit trees can’t be enjoyed for three plus years due to the mitzvot of orla
and neta revai and I wondered to myself what our lives would look like when we could
finally taste them.
Nearly 3.5 years later, we are on the verge of tasting those fruits. Looking back, I could not
have imagined I would be so lucky to work in the field I love as the Menahelet of Ulpanat
Orly, a growing school where I am blessed to work with teachers who have become friends
and students whom I absolutely love. I also couldn’t have imagined we would be in the midst
of the worst war Israel has seen in 50 years. I couldn’t have imagined that my rabbi husband
would find himself running the American program of IDSF, an organization of retired Israeli
officers and that despite having come to Israel too late to serve in the IDF himself, would
be working day and night to support the war effort through the organization. I didn’t expect
my kids would integrate so well or that my parents would make Aliyah and move around
the corner from us. I didn’t anticipate the many adventures, the ups and downs we have
had in the years since our Aliyah.
I look at those trees, whose fruit we will finally be able to taste on Tu BiShvat and dare to
imagine the freshness and sweetness and the promise that time, patience and hope has
brought and b’ezrat Hashem will continue to bring.”

Follow NBN on social: NefeshBNefesh linkedin.com/company/nefesh-b’nefesh/ nefeshbnefesh

48 |