The following is from Claire Bisgay, who recently traveled to Israel:

I recently returned from an extraordinary trip to Israel where I volunteered to teach youngsters through an organization called Living Bridge, Partnership 2000 Arad/Tamar-New Jersey/Delaware.I spent two weeks in Arad which is on the east coast of Israel in the Negev Desert, near the Dead Sea and Masada, and it is very safe there.

Upon my arrival, I met with Ofra Bezalel, the Living Bridge Coordinator and Yardena Haiman, the administrative assistant. Throughout my stay, these women were very supportive; they invited me for Sabbath meals and I met their wonderful families. Ofra drove me back and forth to wherever I had to be. First, she took me to an elementary school where I taught three delightful children in the mornings during my two-week stay. Rosie and Lital were inthe second grade, and Omri was a fourth-grader. Omri wanted me to teach him English so that he could speakto his grandpa in Brooklyn. I told him that if he said nothing else, he should say, "Grandpa, I love you and I miss you."

Ofra also took me to Mercaz le Meda, Center for Study, which was established to help students who have difficulties academically, and those who need help emotionally. The Center is open twice a week after school to which two female soldiers are assigned: Dephna, a teacher, and Tali a counseler. Dephna helps students complete their homework, and Tali plays games, such as chess and checkers, with children while they converse. Ameer, a young man, played games indoors and out with youngsters from America and Ethiopia, and I worked with Moshe, a sixthgrade Russian immigrant, who needed to improve his reading comprehension. Naomi, who is in charge of the center, commented, "Isn't it wonderful to watch these children and adults? They have come from all over the world and they work and play in peace."

Ofra said that I had picked a wonderful time to come to Israel during Purim. School was open on Purim, but no academic classes were held. All the children and some teachers wore costumes and many students performed in a Purim play. later, at the mall, we saw hundreds of youngsters and adults clad in all types of costumes. We even saw a group of teenagers dressed as a flock of sheep! The next evening the Purim celebrations continued. We went to a circus where acrobats and jugglers performed, and Russian youngsters danced their traditional dances beautifully. All the Purim festivities underscored the wonderful holiday spirit.

Throughout my stay, Ofra and Yardena introduced me to a lovely group of people who were warm and welcoming. For example, when I told Henni that I enjoyed her tea, she gave me loads of fennel tea bags for shalach manos . Monique invited me to sleep at her home one Shabbat where I met her lovely family and friends. Henni's friend, Monty, took me to the synagogue, Shira Hadashah where it was inspiring to attend Shabbat services in the country where it all began.

I also became acquainted with Sarah, one of Ofra's friends. After being in her company on several occasions, she revealed to me some things about herself. When she was a young girl, Sarah wanted to be a ballerina. To fulfill her dream, Sarah went to New York to audition at various schools of dance and was accepted at one of them. After thinking about it, however, Sarah declined the invitation because she wanted to return to Israel to serve in the army. Once she completed her tour of duty, she would return to New York and audition again. Sarah became the first female medic to serve with a group of men who dealt with very serious injuries. One night, Sarah and the others tended to soldiers in a dreadful accident, and sent them to the hospital. Sarah was sitting in the rear of the vehicle still wearing her backpack, as she and the men returned to the base. They hit a tremendous pothole when Sarah was propelled out of the vehicle and landed on a metal box. Tragically, Sarah broke her back and, after a time, was told that if she did walk again, it would be with a cane. The doctors also said she would never have children.

Sarah went into a deep depression. Eventually the psychiatrist's letter sent to the army, which Sarah read, stated that this young woman was very depressed, and he feared that she might try to commit suicide. That letter was a wake-up call for Sarah. Before the accident , she had been a happy and optimistic person. She would stop feeling sorry for herself, and she would try to heal herself. Sarah began swimming vigorously daily. Also with the aid of a therapist who manipulated the tissues of her body, she began to walk again. Slowly, Sarah regained good health. She later married and, despite the doctor's predictions, had three beautiful children. Today Sarah has a wonderful family and a profession that she enjoys.

The Israelis are our brothers and our sisters. They not only survive, they thrive. I met with Shimon Shamilla, the Partnership Director. His fondest wish is to have American Jews and Israelis get to know each other on a personal level in order to build a true living bridge.

Ruthie Goldberg, an artist, said, "I want to thank you for coming to Israel. I want to thank you for coming to Israel for your support. Even though you are just one person, it has meant so much."

What would Ruthie Goldberg say if a group of us would travel to Arad? Next Purim, come with me to the Negev, and you will have an experience that you will never forget.