From Providence to Israel

Posted

Each January, Ken Schneider from Rumford, travels to Israel to volunteer on a military base as part of Volunteers for Israel, an organization that places people from all over the world at Israel Defense Forces bases.

This year, a piece of Providence went with him. He carried 70 cards from students at the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island (JCDSRI) and the Temple Emanu-El Hebrew School to distribute to soldiers at the base where he served.

“Sometimes, these soldiers feel like they are on an island and nobody cares,” said Schneider.

The soldiers were thrilled to receive the cards. They were especially excited to receive some of the cards that were written in Hebrew.

Schneider said he saw a fellow volunteer distribute cards last year and decided to try the project himself. Next year, he hopes to return with even more cards.

FRAN OSTENDORF