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From the WIZO Aviv Mission to the IDF - Marië Joshua-Querido's story

Inspired by her participation in the just completed WIZO Aviv 2018 Young Leadership Mission, Marië Joshua-Querido took her social activism and love for Israel to the next level by volunteering for the IDF with Sar-EL

November 29, 2018

Mission accomplished? Not yet…

Straight from the intense Aviv Young Leadership 2018 (read more), one Aviv participant decided to take her social activism and love for Israel to the next level. After being inspired by the "extraordinary WIZO Aviv women of light, love and service from around the world" she met on the Aviv Mission, she volunteered with Sar – EL.

Every morning, she proudly watched the Israeli flag being raised on her army base, in the olive green of the Israel Defense Force. Sar - EL is the Hebrew acronym meaning 'Service for Israel'. Volunteers come from around the world for a short volunteer period assisting on army bases in a variety of areas. They become acquainted with the 'People's Army' and Israeli society. Marie was based I was based at a medical logistics base, where she assisted the building of vital and lifesaving mobile hospitals and pharmacies for the medics and combat soldiers of the IDF.

What she took home was the feeling that that being of service is humbling and even if done in the smallest way, contributes, in a valuable and impactful way to those who are in need. To those in need of extra resources, support and man/woman power to get certain jobs done. Marie, from South Africa and now living in Belgium, is a social worker / psychological counselor who works in the public health and social development sectors. Her meaningful work in Israel is a credit to herself and WIZO.

"I learnt that giving back or paying it forward is a gift for all involved, the rewards lay in spirits bring uplifted, joy and being part of a bigger picture for the greater good through collective collaboration towards a common goal, that being Israel."

Now she returns to Belgium an ambassador for Israel, an ambassador for WIZO as a defender and supporter of the rights of the women and children of Israel.

Read about Marie's personal reflections of her experience on the Aviv Young Leadership Mission 2018.

From the WIZO Aviv Mission to the IDF - Marië Joshua-Querido's story