Wearing a uniform without being a soldier. Working voluntarily without pay. And doing so on an Israeli military base—what drives people to this? Choosing SAR-EL means embracing a unique form of commitment. It’s help, but also a stance—a quiet statement of connection, responsibility, and the interplay between civil society and the military in a space where two worlds, usually worlds apart, converge.
A morning on an Israeli military base
Early morning at an Israeli military base. The wind hoists the Israeli flag skyward as international volunteers stand side by side with IDF soldiers during the morning roll call. The sun rises over the camp, where another eight hours of hands-on work await: hauling, sorting, repairing, provisioning. Among them are people from across the globe, not here out of military obligation but out of conviction. What moves them? And what is SAR-EL, this unique program bringing international volunteers to Israeli army bases?
What is SAR-EL?
SAR-EL, Hebrew for “Service for Israel” (Sherut LeYisrael), is a civilian...
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