Since 2007, Kibbutz Beit Alfa has been home to an absorption center for Ethiopian immigrants run by the Jewish Agency. There are about 400 Ethiopian immigrants residing in the center who have arrived in Israel over recent years. The center serves as their home for their first years in the country, a period during which they undergo a process of acclimatization to Israeli society and learning Hebrew at ulpan. At the same time, the adults go out and work and the children attend schools in the area.
This is the second year of volunteering, where Mechina participants arrive twice a week in the morning and afternoon and become part of the system that facilitates the immigrants’ acquaintance with Israeli culture and lifestyle. They assist in Hebrew practice, specifically speaking with the adults in ulpan, and in the afternoon they meet with the children and youth and teach them social and box games. The participants assist in bringing the Israeli experience to them and tell about the special, emotional encounters and rare connections forged between them and the immigrants.
Ron Bruchis, a Mechina member, summarizes his experience:
“I’d come volunteer regularly Sundays and Wednesdays throughout the year, which were days full of purpose for me. We met with 10-13 year old children at the center, and enjoyed being a friend or brother figure for them. The process I went through with one of the boys was amazing and very meaningful to me. It took time, though, but it was worth every minute. Listening to him share his problems at the center or at school with me, playing soccer with him, doing homework with him , or simply advising him or practicing with him was sometimes my weekly “fun.” Slowly I noticed the boy also undergoing a process, and a few weeks ago he even contacted me, which was very touching to know that he still remembers and takes interest in me.”