For Israeli-born teens, life at 18 looks very different from that of most American teenagers. Instead of heading off to college or starting a career, they first commit themselves to serving their country. Almost immediately after graduating high school, all Israelis enlist in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and begin military training.
If they like, however, Israel, teenagers can postpone their military service for a year by joining Shnat Sherut (year of service), a community service program. During this time, they participate in volunteer efforts that benefit people throughout the country.
Participants in this program are known as Shin-Shins, a nickname taken from the Hebrew initials for “year of service” (Shnat Sherut). Many Israeli teenagers view this program as a chance to connect with new people and make a meaningful contribution to a community and environment they have never experienced before.
Milken’s Shin-Shin, Itay Dali, is currently taking a community service gap year in Los Angeles before returning to Israel to serve in the IDF.
Dali took the chance with this program to “give L.A. and the Jewish youth an Israeli point of view and something they can relate to that is Israeli, and not only keep Israel as an idea, but also as a person.”
During his time volunteering at Milken, Dali has helped around the school. His mission, as he sees it, is to “bring an Israeli vibe.” He visits classrooms, primarily the Hebrew classes, and helps with the lessons and tells the students stories about Israel.
“My favorite thing about Milken is, you know, the Kehillah because in my school in Israel, you didn’t meet everyone in your grade. There is a vibe that belongs to every grade here. There is רוּחַ (Hebrew for energy or spirit) and community.” Dali said.
Dali compares the different lifestyles in America and Israel, where he grew up. He describes America as a dream, where everything is bigger.
“I went into a store and everything is so big, and you can get everything for so cheap,” he said. “The streets are wider, everybody has got their own house, but in Israel, everything is an apartment.”
Dali is the “Israeli friend, who talks to the students about young subjects,” he says, “and I feel like my work is amazing, and I’m loving it so far.”