On Sunday morning July 3, twenty of us waited outside the Raanana Absorption Center, for our bus to arrive from Netanya with another 25 of our co-travellers already on board.

Who were we, where were we going and why?

Firstly, we were going to an army base in the center of the country in an isolated area.

Secondly, we were going to donate and inaugurate a recreational clubhouse for the soldiers who serve there and have had no such facility to use in their free time up until now.

Thirdly, we are the committee and supporters of the English Speaking Branch for the Association for the Wellbeing of Israel’s Soldiers (A.W.I.S) in the Sharon area.

Included in our group was the Peltz family, Roselle and Clive, daughter, son in law and granddaughter, a family formerly from Raanana.  They had traveled especially from Australia to open the clubhouse which they had generously donated through our group.

On arrival at air force base ‘X’ we were warmly received by the commander, officers and soldiers with light refreshments and a song of welcome in English sung by one of the young soldiers.  The commander showed us a short film along with an explanation of the functions of the base.  This small base in the middle of nowhere was manned by a small number of soldiers (men and women) of whom over 50 per cent were responsible for its security.  Many of these soldiers have their own specially trained dogs to help them with this important task.  We were given a demonstration of how the dogs were trained to apprehend terrorist infiltrators and we were also shown a mock exercise of the infiltration and apprehension of a ‘terrorist’.   This exercise took place at the sound of an alarm which took us by surprise and gave us quite a start.  It was indeed impressive.  This particular unit was commanded by two girl soldiers who excel in this type of work.  We also learned that every dog and its handler serve together as a team for the three years of the soldier’s army service. Each dog even goes home with its team-mate when they have Shabbat leave and are released from the army, given to the handler at the end of the soldier’s service. 

Finally came the event of the morning, when the Peltz family was given the honor of opening the clubhouse, before which a mezzuza was affixed to the doorpost, a blessing made and the ribbon cut.   Entering the clubhouse, we left behind Israel’s summer heat for the fully air-conditioned and beautifully furnished and equipped facility with comfortable couches, coffee tables, TV, computers with internet, music center, Play Station center, small adjoining kitchen, pictures, bookcases and plants.  The commander told us how important this place was for every hardworking soldier, to relax, unwind, rest and have a chance to socialize with one another at the end of a tiring day.  He emphasized the importance of such a facility for improving the morale of his men and women.  The soldiers appreciation was overwhelming, not only for the clubhouse but for the fact that we civilians had made the effort to come personally to show our support and love. No civilian group had ever visited this base before, making our visit even more special and heartwarming.

From there we proceeded to our second base, a much larger one – a training base for both serving soldiers and reservists.  We were treated to an excellent lunch and entertained by a girl soldier who was a candidate for next year’s TV program Kochav Nolad (A Star is Born).  We were taken on a tour of the base and given a rundown of its many functions such as training soldiers and reservists in firing skills with the use of sophisticated computerized simulators which avoid the use of live ammunition thus saving a fortune and avoiding danger to the soldiers themselves.  We were all given the opportunity to learn to fire at ‘virtual’ targets and assess our accuracy.  Not many of us would qualify as sharpshooters.

Here, a clubhouse, funded by monies raised by our A.W.I.S. committee and supporters, was opened.  We were met with the same enthusiasm and gratitude for our efforts and personal visit as at the previous base.  This base provides a special educational facility for under-privileged youth who would otherwise not qualify for enlistment and army service.  Not only are they provided with special education, but are trained as mechanics and electricians, enabling them to serve in the army and pursue a career in their civilian life.  Before leaving, we were treated to more fruit and cold drinks to complete this amazing and memorable day. 

This was only one of a number of clubhouses which we have donated this year and one of the 400 which our branch in the Sharon area has donated over the last 25 years.

Who are we to be permitted to see our boys and girls, sons and daughters, grandsons and granddaughters in action during these years which they give up to serve our country and ensure our security?

English Speaking Branch of A.W.I.S.

The Association for the Wellbeing of Israel's Soldiers is an international, nonprofit, non-political, humanitarian organization established in 1942 by David Ben Gurion for the purpose of benefiting the Israeli soldiers and looking after their physical and mental wellbeing.

Providing our young men and women soldiers with some form of sanctuary and sense of family in and around the battle field, is a crucial enterprise that requires our sustained and specific attention.

Our branch was formed more than 25 years ago to raise funds to provide comforts for our soldiers at the frontline, and at army, navy and air force bases all over Israel. Though the funds are solely under our administration, our branch finances only projects that are requested by the IDF through A.W.I.S.

The unique essence of A.W.I.S is the spirit of its members, volunteers and donors – providing the young men and women in the IDF with a genuine sense of care and love.

Our annual fundraising efforts are centered on the Calendar project, the 120-Club Annual Draw, Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, one major function at Bet Goldmuntz auditorium andprivate donations in Israel and abroad.

The private donations are usually made to celebrate simchas such as a barmitzvahs, weddings and anniversaries (Silver, Golden and even Diamond) and in memory of loved ones and legacies from estates - what better honor can one give for remembrance?

All the donated monies (100%) are utilized for the specific project, and donors are then invited to officially open their clubhouse together with their family and friends.   It is always an emotional occasion to witness the grateful thanks and appreciation of the young soldiers on the base – very worthwhile.

We are proud to have been involved in many projects throughout our beautiful little country – furnishing and refurbishing clubhouses, equipping sports facilities, allocating funds for needy soldiers and their families on chagim and providing scholarships for post-army study, and more.

A.W.I.S projects include:

Rest & Recuperation Programs: well appointed hostels in all main cities, hot meals, overnight stay, synagogue, companionship (Eilat, Beersheva, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Tiberias, Haifa & Kiryat Shmona).

Recreation Homes for Widows and Children: each summer family members of soldiers who fell in the line of duty spend vacation time at these Recreation Homes (Akko, Givat Olga, Ashkelon and Eilat). It is a unique support opportunity for widows who have tragically been turned into single parents – with peer and support groups for aid with emotional problems, as well as workshops and seminars. Their children are cared for and entertained by trained soldiers, giving mothers a well-earned breathing space. Comments have been received such as “The camps have helped me keep my sanity and have given me strength to carry on”.

Education Centers: Bet Feldman and Bet Goldmuntz in Netanya, and Har Livnim in the North.

For an immigrant society like Israel, the army is the most effective tool for integration.   A network of education facilities offers courses in Hebrew, history and citizenship. Disadvantaged soldiers are given the unique opportunity to complete their basic education and have a chance to pursue a higher education.

It is our duty to care for and support our soldiers, all of whom give some and some of whom gave all.  And we are privileged to help our young people who serve our country and enable us to live our day-to-day lives in relative quiet and security. 

Chairman (Netanya Area) Cecil Shevil Tel: 09 796 6957 cell: 052 582 9550 

email: shevil@bezeqint.net

Sharon Area:  Ruth Omsky Tel 09 835 2212 cell: 054 775 8393

email: shalbar@gmail.com

Janice & Cyril Comyns Tel: 09 741 4164 cell: 052 756 6263

email: jancy@zahav.net.il   

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Janice Comyns

Janice Comyns came to live in Israel in 1971 from Scotland. She is a graduate of Glasgow University with a B.Sc. Hons in Biochemestry and re-trained in Israel as a qualified English Teacher. She taugh...
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