Twenty-two students spent an incredible week volunteering at Merkaz Klita Merchaviya, an absorption center for new immigrants from Ethiopia who had arrived in Israel within the previous year. The group spent each day engaged in a combination of hands-on service work, meaningful community interactions, and group discussion and relfection.

Hands-on work
The students got their hands dirty by refurbishing two poorly used storage closets into beautiful classrooms (see the before and after pictures of one room on the right). The artists of the group painted spectacular murals showcasing the Twelve Tribes of Israel and the Seven Species, not only to add aesthetic beauty to the facility, but also to aid in the important task of the Jewish education of its residents. 

Community interaction

Afternoons were spent with the children of the absorption center playing soccer, singing, dancing, braiding hair, and experiencing the vibrancy of Ethiopian Jewish culture. Hillel students saw that soccer was such an integral part of the children's lives that they decided to replace the unusable nets and bought a new soccer ball for the community to enjoy. 

Group discussion and reflection
The experience in Afula was not just physically demanding but also emotionally challenging. Through discussion, reflection, and informal conversation with the Ethiopian residents, anthropologists and social workers, the group confronted the issues of economic inequality, cultural absorption, Jewish diversity, and the disappointing reality of how Israeli policies affect minority cultures. Students struggled with their perceptions of the positive and negative consequences of Ethiopian absorption into the mainstream Jewish community as well as what it means to be at home in Israel. It was a memorable and meaningful opportunity for the entire group and, as one participant noted, "it helped me gain a deeper connection to Israel."



Read about the experience in the other five cities
Read reflections on the trip
Return to Alternative Break in Israel