ENP: Home Away From Home

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By: Benji Bernstein
Intern, Rothberg International School

My name is Benji Bernstein and I've been volunteering at a youth center sponsored by the ENP this semester. I've been having an incredible experience working with the kids there these past couple months.

To be honest, I did not really know what to expect when I first walked into the underground youth facility in Beit Shemesh. However, as soon as I arrived, the staff and teens there made me feel at home. "Do you want to play me in ping pong?" I was asked in Hebrew by one of the 14 year old kids. As a huge table tennis fan, I naturally jumped at the opportunity. After we started playing, about five other kids lined up around the table. "Can I have next game?" one asked. As they determined the order of who would play after, I began to talk to the kids, and to really get to know them. I've learned a lot from them since.

For instance, each time I go, I have a great time learning about new Israeli music from them. As we talk, play sports, or do homework together, Israeli hip-hop is often blasting on the massive speakers at the center. This creates a festive atmosphere in the facility, and gives an added level of excitement to every activity.

There are some truly amazing things going on at this place in Beit Shemesh. When you look at each of the kids, their smiles are enough to show you how positive of an impact this youth center really has on them. They are all great friends with each other, and they usually don't stop laughing from the time that they walk through the door. It is clear that the facility is like a second home to them. It's a place where many of them spend a great deal of their free time, and it is even more meaningful to realize that this place keeps these kids focused on the right things. The madrichim (or guides) who work there are like big brothers to the kids, and it's easy to see how significant and positive of an influence they have on them. It's genuinely like a family, and I think all of the kids there would overwhelmingly agree.

I am so fortunate to have had this opportunity to volunteer with the ENP during my semester abroad in Israel. It's definitely going to be sad when I have to say goodbye to everyone in Beit Shemesh in a few weeks.

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