Kibbutz Hosts “Masa” Lacrosse Group During Missile Attacks on Ashkelon
“We’re trying to get the group out of Ashkelon and away from the missile attacks. Do you know a kibbutz in the center of the country that can host us?”
That’s the message that popped into my inbox. It was from Sarah Meisenberg, Director of Women’s Lacrosse in Israel, trying to find a place to house her group of foreign Lacrosse athletes who’ve been in Israel for several months as part of the “Masa” program, and now under fire in the city of Ashkelon.
I immediately thought of my “home base kibbutz” – Mishmar Hasharon, and I almost turned to Judith, the legendary Ulpan (Hebrew school) director. But, honestly, I’m a bit scared of Judith. I mean, I love her and appreciate tremendously all the work she’d done over the years, but if there’s a tiny chance that I’ll end up connecting her to a group that may cause problems, I’ll be in big trouble. A bit egotistical, I know. But you have never met the wrath of Judith.
So, I turned to my friends from the Kibbutz Movement to help find a suitable kibbutz, and they called on… Judith. She, of course, seized the opportunity and together with the community, took the “Masa” group under her wings in the illustrious Judith tradition.
For three days the group stayed at Mishmar Hasharon, joined Shabbat dinner at the Dining Hall, took part in the Shavuot holiday event, did a Lacrosse training clinic for the kibbutz children and simply absorbed some peace, quiet and kibbutz charm.
Yesterday, before the “Masa” group left, I met dozens of cheerful kibbutz children gathered on the grass in front of their rooms. They were all cheering on their new foreign friends, waving lacrosse sticks and pleading that they teach them again how how to pass the ball. As we looked on, Sarah whispered to me that this has been one of the most meaningful experiences for these young athletes who are about to return to their families back home. I whispered back that it seemed the children of the kibbutz felt the same.
So, thank you to Judith and Mishmar Hasharon, the Kibbutz Movement and to many other kibbutzim that are vigorously engaged, not only in times of trouble, but year-round, in inspiring projects and care for one another. This is, in my opinion, the essence of the kibbutzvisit project. Also, of course, the exposure of the wonderful kibbutz businesses and attractions, but especially the encounters that are created in the process.
The only problem now is that Judith found out that I didn’t contact her directly. The flames of Judith’s wrath will soon be upon me… but it was worth it!
