Jewish Home Leaders: "The Soldiers Told Us 'We Spent 70 Days in Gaza, and We Dreamed of Just One Thing'"

Soldiers emerging from Gaza after 70 days of combat, soldiers about to enter Gaza, fighters serving in the southern settlements, and many other civilians coming to provide support in these turbulent times—all gather together when they arrive at the 'Jewish Home for Soldiers' in the Gaza envelope.

They sit around set tables, in a warm, bonding atmosphere, enjoying good food, lectures, and various performances, as well as the opportunity to talk and find a listening ear with whom they can share their experiences from this challenging time. Among them, Shagiv Shariki and his wife Tamar circulate, trying to ensure the best possible atmosphere. They know that this is their mission in these troubled days, their chance to express gratitude to the soldiers who sacrifice themselves for us, and to be with them during moments when their hearts open and they seek answers to questions.

From India to the Gaza Envelope

If you had asked the Shariki couple about three months ago what their plans were for the near future, living in southern Israel would have seemed the furthest from reality. "Last year we lived in northern India and managed the 'Jewish Home' there," explains Shagiv. "We felt it was a great privilege, as both of us are former backpackers from India. My wife comes from a religious home and I returned to religion. Our first meeting was in India, and the 'Jewish Home' was indeed a significant milestone in our lives. When we were offered to return there to manage the place, we immediately knew we would take on the role, and we had a very special and uplifting experience. We met groups of travelers there and saw firsthand how much Judaism is needed in such places and that they really seek it."

Shagiv mentions that the Jewish Home in India is open according to the seasons, active in northern India during the summer, and in the south during the winter. "After we returned from our summer activities, Rabbi Rafael Katz, who manages the 'Another Spirit' organization that runs the Jewish Home, asked us to consider another mission—to the Home in southern India, and we decided to accept the offer."

However, like all Israeli citizens, the Shariki family's plans changed with the outbreak of the war. "We realized that many backpackers in India were returning to Israel after receiving emergency call-ups, or out of a sense of belonging to Israel and the desire to reunite with family," Shagiv explains, "we deliberated with Rabbi Rafael whether it was right to fly to India, and we concluded that staying in the country would allow us to work and act just as much, with a desire to provide genuine support in the south—both physically and spiritually."

According to Shagiv, when they canceled their flight to India, they still didn't know exactly how they would operate in Israel, but it was clear to them that their first step would be heading to the Gaza envelope area. "Since my parents live in one of the southern moshavim, we decided to go to them first, and immediately upon arrival, we started activity and spoke with many soldiers we met in the area. Again and again, we heard about Moshav Tkuma, located near the envelope, and realized it was a central hub for all the soldiers coming to the place. We understood that this is where the 'Jewish Home' should be established."

When they tried to find a suitable location for this, they first met the Koch family, who provided them with a large area for activity, and upon it, they set up a huge tent where the 'Jewish Home in the South' resides."

What do you offer there?

"In our tent, which by the way is completely insulated from rain and wind, activities start every day in the afternoon and go on until late at night. Every evening we serve grilled meats, salads, and sides, and sometimes home-cooked meals prepared by local women. Everything is served aesthetically and at a very high level. In addition, we bring rabbis and various artists, and we ourselves give lectures and sit with the soldiers until the early hours of the morning to hear their stories, strengthen, and create a good atmosphere. Personally, it reminds me so much of our activities in India, because it turns out that when a person is in a state of irregularity and uncertainty, the heart opens, and there’s a great willingness to share and listen."

Strengthening the Spirit

In order to manage the activity more easily, Shagiv and Tamar recently moved to the nearby Moshav Brosh. "I think we are among the few in the country who are moving house right now to the south," he notes with a smile. "Of course we have to learn to deal with the lifestyle of 'red alert' and sirens, but it’s part of our activity and we are aware of it. We are constantly thinking ahead, planning the place and bringing more and more activities because our main focus is not the lavish food and comfortable place. Yes, those are important, but there are also other organizations and volunteers that can take care of that. We focus on the spirit because that is our purpose, and when I meet soldiers leaving here with a stronger spirit, more belief and joy—that's the goal. Of course, if they also leave more satisfied, then we have gained on all fronts," he adds.

They hear the warm responses from the soldiers themselves. "This week soldiers came out to us and told us they've been almost 70 days away from home, in the morning they were prepared to leave Gaza, and from that moment they only imagined themselves sitting in the Jewish Home tent, resting, eating, and singing. Other soldiers shared that they 'feel like they are on a vacation in a retreat,' and that is exactly our goal—to help them disconnect from everything they are going through. At least for a few hours, they shouldn't feel like they are inside Gaza or the envelope but rather have a little break."

These are fighters who have faced tough challenges inside Gaza. Do they talk about it?

"Some talk and some are silent. Each with his own response. We don’t ignore the topic but try to know what to say and how to respond, in order to strengthen them, with a strong spirit, faith, happiness, and strength. We certainly don’t want to weaken or depress them."

Continuing in India as Well

And what is happening in the meantime at the Jewish Home in India? In a conversation with Rabbi Rafael Katz, the manager of the 'Another Spirit' organization, he notes that the home in southern India is standing strong and even enhancing its activities these days. "While it’s true that there are not the same number of Israelis as we are used to, there are still those visiting it, and because of the situation in Israel, they feel this is the place where they can truly receive a meaningful anchor and a warm hand. It is not an easy season weather-wise, and it’s less fitting to wander there alone, so they gather together in the Jewish Home, connect with one another, and also connect to their inner soul and Hashem."

Rabbi Katz emphasizes that the activity of the Jewish Home in Israel continues to gain momentum, with the organization also initiating meetings for 'Jewish Home Alumni'—those who met in India and now wish to create continuity. "We wondered whether it was appropriate to initiate meetings at such a time, but from conversations with our alumni, we understood that right now they are interested and looking for ways to strengthen," he explains.

"We also meet many of our alumni serving in reserves at the Jewish Home in the envelope, we feel the continuity, and understand the great privilege we have to be there for them. It is also the place to thank the Koch family, the landowners who generously allowed us to set up our activities there and assist us in every matter. Hopefully, through the great love and closeness among our people, we will soon witness truly open miracles, as we all pray and hope."