The purpose of my trip was personal growth as a Jew, a member of the second generation of European Jews who lived through the Holocaust and a chef. During these past few weeks, I found way more than that. I learned what it is to fall in love with a country. Belgium is the country of my roots, my background and what made me who I am. The United States is the country where I had my two wonderful children and where I grew as an individual. Israel is the country where I grew as a Jew. This is the place that no matter where I am and who I am with, I belong. I am not alone even as a loner traveler.
When I heard about the option of a volunteer placement at the Lone Soldier’s Center, I did not hesitate. My late father who passed away this past January, was a paratrooper with the Belgian army, serving in Korea and in the Belgian Congo. I viewed this volunteer assignment as a way for me to honor the memory of my dad. The Loner Soldier’s Center is a wonderful warm place. The pleasure of seeing those kids diving into the food my Italian friend and I made, was priceless. I learned a lot about the Israeli way of life, and grew as a chef. Talking with people coming from all over the world, my Hebrew Ulpan teacher and studies and sharing some family stories all helped me to grow as a part of the second generation.
Thank you for this great opportunity and this life-time experience.