After landing in Israel from a ten hour plane ride, we immediately boarded a bus and took a two hour drive to Beit She’an. We then arrived to the Cleveland House, and ate falafel for dinner with the four Shinshiniot who are doing Sh’nat Sherut, community service. While we ate, they told us about their programs, and what Sh’nat Sherut really means. One of the girls we met, Yuval, is coming to Cleveland for 10 months to explain Israel life and culture to Clevelanders. The three other young women are doing community service in Israel. Two of the three are religious and doing community service instead of going to the army. The non-religious girl who will go to the army after community service is working with kids with disadvantages through the Israeli Scouts. The Scouts provide afternoon activities for these children. The young women are working with kids with autism, and they will teach 9th graders how to be leaders.
I admire these women and I want to be just like them.