Friday 13 December 2013

Palchan Nachal

Firstly, I have to start this post with an explanation as to why it's taken me so long to publish. My mefaked had originally told me that, due to security reasons, this blog couldn't practically continue. There are so many details I can't put in apparently. However, this blog is my own little Zionist project, to try and explain my experiences in the IDF for anyone else who might be interested in joining, and so, with a green light from my commander, I'm carrying it on despite the holes in the information.

So I passed the gibbush and I am now serving in the Gadsar. My unit is a small team within Palchan Nachal, called Chapak Machat. I had no idea they were even testing for the team, as they only test for it once every two years. To explain, the Palchan specialise in counter-terrorism (during non-war time) and explosives and engineering (during war time). Our training is one year and 2 months. The Palchan are the first in and make the first impact. Chapak Machat is a small team within Palchan that also specialise in communications. We come under the direct command of the head of Nachal, and we are his eyes and ears on the ground. 

So what's been going on up until now? Due to my doubts as to whether or not I could continue the blog, there are many gaps in my memory during the past few weeks. The first little bit was taken up by lots of discipline, lots of running from here to there, sorting out equipment, and sitting in introductory talks by people like the head of the Gadsar, the doctor, the fitness instructors, the Rabbi etc. 


Photos are a little problematic, but here's my new "home" on the base

We then started on shooting, and we spent a week every day out in the shooting ranges. We were taught and practiced technique, and repeated getting from standing to lying position over and over again. My shooting has definitely improved. 

As well as lots of shooting practice, we also did a lot of Krav Maga training. Krav Maga is close-quarter combat and we were introduced to the basic principles, with a focus on the fitness. It's slowly slowly increased in difficulty, but also in practical training.

So far we have had two Masaot, or marches; the last one being our Masa Hashba'a this past week. During both masaot I carried the stretcher on my back. At the end of the last masa we were also given our shoulder tags that say we are in Nachal. 



The Hashba'a is the swearing-in ceremony that every solider has. In it, you swear your allegiance to the State and its laws. Ours was at the Kotel and my parents and one of my sisters came from England to watch me getting sworn in. It was an emotional moment singing Hatikvah at the end, in my uniform, standing at the sight so central to our people for thousands of years, across the globe. It really hit me how proud I am to serve. Never again will we be without a homeland, without independence, and I am proud to play a very small part in making sure of that.

That's me, just about to swear-in and recieve my weapon and a Tanach


Because my family are here, I have off until Tuesday. I do apologise (if anyone actually cares) for the brevity of this post. It's been difficult to remember the details, because it's been a while. But after speaking to my commander, I've been given the go-ahead to carry on the blog (minus a few details). I should have next Shabbat off so will update the blog then. Until then, I'm relaxing with my family for a bit before heading back to base :)

Friday 29 November 2013

Gibbush Gadsar

Yesterday I finished the gibbush for the Gadsar. Just as a reminder, the Gadsar is the forward battalion of Nachal and is divided into 3 plugot - Palsar, Palchan, and Orev. This particular gibbush was for Palsar and Palchan. This is a very difficult blog post for me to write, as I don't necessarily remember all the details. It all became a four-day blur of crawling, running, and more crawling. However, I think I finished well and will find out whether I'm in or not next week.

So the gibbush started out Monday with approximately 350 people. By the end, we finished with 150 people. Monday was mostly a day of sitting around, making sure we had the correct equipment (about 5 times), doctors checks and signing forms. Right now, as I am 22 years old, I am only legally required to serve for 2 years. If I pass the gibbush I have to sign on for an extra year, and that was one of the forms I had to fill out.

Next, we were taken out to the field next to the Nachal base, where the gibbush took place, and were divided into what we thought were the teams for the gibbush. At this point, no one had their phones and watches, and it was impossible to tell the exact time (we had no idea of the time throughout the four days). Each person was given a hat with a number on it, which was to be their number for the gibbush. For the next few hours we sprinted and crawled through the dusty, rocky sand, each time with a harsh command of "tze" (go) from the commander. After each crawl or sprint we had to quickly line up in the order in which we came. Sometimes we would have time to line up and sometimes he would tell us to go as we were lining up. By this point people were already exhausted and many left and gave up. A couple of times during that night we were given short water breaks. Mentally, you would live for those breaks, however during the crawls you would swallow so much sand that it would clog up your throat. Consequently, most people started throwing up as they drank, and you were not allowed to wash the sand out of your mouth by spitting out any water. Eventually this all ended and we were put to bed in our tents. However, we were told that there were to be two people from each tent guarding at all times, which meant that sleep was little and constantly interrupted by guarding shifts. We had to do this each night. 

The next morning we were woken up well before sunrise and continued the sprints and the crawls until breakfast. Each meal was the same; field rations that consisted of bread, tuna, some vegetables, jam, chocolate spread, tinned fruit and tinned beans. Everything without exception went into a sandwich. From breakfast the first day, my memory becomes pretty hazy as to the exact details and sequence of events. I do apologise, and I kept saying to myself that I had to try and remember it all for the blog, but easier said than done. So I do apologise for leaving out any of the details. 

That first full day was the hardest I would say, and we were split up into completely different teams from the previous night and told that actually from hereon the gibbush had begun. All that hard work last night suddenly seemed in vain, but I'm sure it wasn't. I'm sure it was some kind of mind game. So we were allocated to different groups and given different numbers. That day was a mixture of running, crawling and stretcher marches. The stretcher had on it sand bags that weighted it down, and the aim was to hold the stretcher for as long as possible during the march. The commanders were constantly walking around and noting down the numbers of those carrying it. I wouldn't let go, despite the searing pain in my shoulder. 

Later on that night I think we carried on with more crawling. Because of the excessive amount of water they got us to drink during the days, I needed to wee so badly. Not wanting to stop, and not wanting my needing to wee get in the way of my performance, I decided that I just had to do it as I crawled. Though not pretty, and though embarrassing, and despite my hesitation to publicise my bodily functions, I think it's an important thing to tell. The gibbush was not a pretty sight, and you just have to keep going no matter what. To be absolutely honest, I can't remember all the details of that second day, but we ended up a lot smaller a team than we had started.


I happen to feature on the IDF website!! During one of the many exhausting exercises


A photo of one team during this week's gibbush taken by the army

The next day began again with physical exercises, but the middle of the day was taken up largely by group exercises. During one of them, we were told to dig a hole as a group, big enough to fit everybody in, as well as dig a hole individually, just for ourselves. We were given half an hour for this. At the end of the time we were told to stand in order of where we thought we had come in terms of work put into digging the group hole. Another exercise was where we had to, as a group, get a huge log from one side of a "minefield" to another, with only particular numbers allowed to speak. All these tasks posed a slight problem for my Hebrew, which, not being bad itself, becomes slightly rusty during exhaustion. So I really hope it doesn't cause a problem in the results!

Another one of those smaller tasks was on the monkey bars. At first we had to, as a group, make sure there were 8 people hanging at all times for 6 minutes. We had to work as a group to complete it, but unfortunately we didn't do it. After that, we had to hang individually from the bars as long as we could. (A word of warning; monkey bars give you many many blisters).

Another station was on the sandy hill. We had to put sand bags on our backs and go up and down this hill as many times as we could in a given time, each time shouting our number and the number of turns around the hill. By the third rotation, everybody was walking it and my legs were burning. Still, it wasn't going to last forever, and the important thing was to keep your head above it all. 

There were many of these smaller stations, but I can't remember the details of all of them. Some were group orientated and others were more individual. Afterwards came yet more crawling and sprinting, and then we all stopped to gather round to light the first light of Chanukah. It was such a special moment, and though many of the other details might be blurry, this wasn't. It was so special to see all these different people, secular and religious, gather round to light the candles. This is why I am here - the first Jewish army in 2000 years. 

Next, they played a trick on us. As we had already dropped to a total of about 150 people, the head of the gibbush announced that it was all over. Suddenly, the commanders were slightly nicer to us, and told us to follow them with all our gear towards the base. I knew it was a trick, it didn't make sense. However, as we were approaching the gates of the base there was the slightest glimmer of hope that in fact this could really be it. It wasn't. Suddenly the commander screams "10 seconds in a Chet", and we were once again off on a march, or a crawl, I can't even remember. I just remember that sinking feeling. That night we were woken up at probably about 3am for a march with the sand bags. Another word of warning about the sand bags; the bags containing the sand bags have shoulder strips that simply dig into the shoulders due to their thinness, and so you can feel it with each step.

The next morning was the final morning, and again we were taken on a march. After that, we had our personal interviews with the commanders and had to evaluate each person in the team, ranking them according to how we thought they each did. After a lot of hanging about, and doughnuts brought by a couple of Chabad families in honour of Chanukkah, we were taken back to the base where we were greeted with cheers by the rest of Nachal and given a little end-of-gibbush ceremony. We sang Hatikvah together, and genuinely all the pain that I felt seemed to disappear. It was all worth it to hear that. It was one of those moments.

So we hear whether we got in next week. Until then, I'm back on kibbutz resting up and catching up on some much needed sleep. 

Saturday 23 November 2013

Yom Giyus and Trom Tironut

The last few days have seemed like a week, but I'm absolutely loving it in Nachal.

Wednesday was Yom Giyus, the day I drafted into the army. It was a long day but I did enjoy it. Firstly I was taken by Garin Tzabar to the Lishkat Giyus in Tiveria, where I had my Tzav Rishon. From there, there was a bus that took all us נחלאווים (Nachal boys) to the Bakum. The Bakum, or Tel Hashomer base, is where you officially get enlisted. There, we were told to drop our bags in a storage room and then taken to lunch (the food at the Bakum is nicer than my base). What followed was a series of stations - photo, mouth x-ray, injections (4), head x-ray, DNA sample, receiving your Choger, or army ID, giving the army your personal and bank details, a few other stations I just can't remember, and finally receiving your uniform.

From the Bakum we made our way to the base, Bach Nachal. It was an exciting feeling sitting there with my new uniform - I'd waited such a long time for it. Once we got to the base we were introduced to our Mefakdim (commanders) who are to be with us during this period called Trom Tironut, or pre-basic training. During Trom Tironut the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed than how it will be during Tironut, and whilst everything is to the clock, the Mefakdim are very nice to us (this period lasts until after the gibbush, when we are sorted into our specific units). That night we had a talk with the deputy head of the base, filled out a whole load of forms, and signed some more forms. I have to admit, half of the Hebrew I barely understood, but I figured I'd just sign where I was told to.

The next morning we had the Bar-Or fitness test. This test is to see who can and cannot try out for the Sayeret unit this coming week, and consists of sit-ups, push-ups and a 2km run. I pushed myself very hard and was happy with my result. After lunch (we didn't eat breakfast), we recieved our Bet uniform, or work uniform. I was one of the lucky few whose uniform actually fit them! 


That night we were put to bed early and woken up at 4am. We were given 5 mins to get up, dressed, brush teeth and be out in the Chet. We spent the next couple of hours cleaning the tent, putting all our equipment away, and standing in the Misdar Yetziah (leaving check). Because I live north of Hadera, I was allowed to leave slightly earlier than those living in the centre or south of the country, although not by much!

I made my way to my kibbutz and my garin, and whilst I was SO excited to see them all and be back on kibbutz, I'm also excited to return to the base on Sunday.


First Shabbat home

Next week is my gibbush for the Gadsar. It's going to be a difficult and long week, but I'm going to give it all I have. Will just have to make sure that despite my inevitable exhaustion I remember all the details for the blog...

Wednesday 13 November 2013

Nachal! (And a sort-of packing list)

The results of the Manila have come through, and I got into Nachal!!! I got my first choice! Bring on the red boots and green kumta (beret)!


The Nachal tag - worn on the left shoulder of the Alef (dress) uniform

The draft date for my unit is 20th (6 days) when I have to report to the Bakum, or central drafting base. In 6 days I'll be switching my civilian clothes with army uniforms, and I'll be handing myself over to the IDF. That will be a proud moment for me; finally, finally, finally I am doing what I came here to do.

So for now I am getting the last minute things I might need for Wednesday. So what does one bring on the first day in the army? Everyone always tells you different things, and it's hard to know exactly. From the sounds of it, the army give you almost everything you need, so I'm bringing a few undershirts (white and green), underwear, army socks, toiletries, and miscellaneous items like plasters, rubber bands (for the bottom of the trousers), and blister plasters.

Because people tell you different things, and it's hard to tell right now what you might need to bring with you, I will write a definitive list of things you need after I've drafted.


Tuesday 5 November 2013

The Manila (preferences form)

Today I recieved and completed my Manila (preferences form). It came a little late to say the least, but better late than never. I thought I'd share details of the Manila here, because I have heard for a while about this mysterious and all-important form, but never actually knew much about it. 

Based on your profile and your kaba scores from the Tzav Rishon, the army send you a list of units you can apply for. Through Garin Tzabar however, you are given a set template, and almost everybody (boys eligible for combat) receive the exact same Manila. 

Here's the one I recieved, with my preferences filled out:


Each of the options need to be rated between 5 and 1, 5 being top and 1 being bottom (silly Israelis). The top box is asking how much you want to be a Lochem, or combat soldier (5). 

The next box asks you to individually rate each of your options, independently of the Infantry (Chir), which comes later. The options given to me were Border Police (1), Combat Engineers (2), Tanks (2), Artillery (1), Field Intelligence (1), Home Front Search and Rescue (1), Air Defence (1), Military Police in Judea and Samaria (1), and Chemical and Biological Warfare (1). 

The next box is specifically for Infantry, and I had to rate, according to my preference, each of the Brigades - Golani (2), Givati (3), Kfir (1), and Nachal (5).

The last box is a general ranking of your three top choices. Mine are Infantry (with Nachal as a clear top) as number 1, Combat Engineers as number 2, and Tanks and Armoured Corp as number 3. 

It is important to note that a) apart from the last box, you are not ranking them in relation to each other but rather as individual options and b) if you really want something, you need to think tactically about what you write. I can say now that my top choice is Nachal, and so I tactically did not put anything as 4, creating an obvious distinction between Nachal and any other place. However, I made sure that in the case of not getting Nachal, which is certainly a possibility, I have shown what I certainly do not want and also what I would be OK with. 

Usually, you receive the Manila long before I did, and so I have been slightly on edge, and will be until I get exact confirmation of where I am placed. All thoughout this period of waiting I was told ״יהיה בסדר״ (it will be OK) countless times. At the time, the phrase might make you want to strangle someone. However, as frustrating as the phrase is, it's true. 

I wrote here of the details of my Manila to clarify for others what the word means and its importance. So I might as well go on to explain a little about my exact aim. I put down Nachal because my aim is a unit within Nachal called Gadsar (Sayeret) Nachal. Nachal is an infantry brigade with the most inspiring and Zionist history. It was set up originally as a fighting brigade that would also establish agricultural settlements along the borders - working and defending the land. Now, it has become a regular infantry brigade like all the others. The Gadsar (Gdud Siyur, or Reconnaissance Battalion) is the forward unit of the brigade. All details can be found out with a quick Google search.

The draft date for Nachal is the 20th (15 days) and there is a 4-day Gibbush from the 25th to get into the Gadsar. The Gibbush consists of all sorts of running, sprinting, crawling, stretcher marches etc.

It is important to remember that you are never guaranteed anywhere, and I could possibly not recieve Nachal at all. However, I will admit that I am not accepting anything but. So now I await the results of the Manila and start buying all the things I need for my draft in a couple weeks time.

Thursday 31 October 2013

Hebrew test...no Michve Alon for me

To anybody who might be reading this blog, firstly I apologise for the big break between this post and the previous one. These past few weeks have been taken up primarily with preparations for my Hebrew test, to make sure I don't have to go to Michve Alon (army ulpan). I have probably never studied this hard for anything in my life, and it payed off - I do not have to go to Michve and my draft date is quickly approaching.

So what happened today in the test? I was told to get there for 10.30, and being my mother's son, and a Brit, I headed out early and arrived at the Lishkat Giyus at about 9am. In true IDF style, my test was in fact at 9.30, not 10.30. Thank God for my British upbringing.

The first part of the test was verbal, and I had to answer two questions in a minimum of five sentences. The first was "where is your favourite place in Israel?" and the second was "where would you like to live after the army?". Being slightly nervous, my answers were more like open-ended ramblings. But still, she seemed to like them.

Next came the comprehension part. I was given three sentences, in extremely difficult Hebrew, to read and explain in my own words. Even Israelis have trouble understanding them, so I was pleased that at least the second sentence I understood and was able to explain (I could tell by her smile that my explanation of the third sentence was way off target).

The third and final section was written. I was given incomplete sentences that I had to complete with a minimum of 3 words. For the first one I probably wrote about a third of a page. Again I got some laughs from the examiner which always helps. Then, after a long wait while she checked my answers with her commander, I was told that I had passed. I had worked for weeks towards this moment, and it had payed off. 

So now I am waiting for my Manila. The Manila is the form in which you fill out your preferences. The draft date for the unit I want, which PG I will get, is on the 20th. So I now have 20 days in which to enjoy freedom before the real exciting times begin!

Monday 23 September 2013

Yom Sayarot

Not having slept since the beginning of my tests this morning, I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. However, I want to make sure I remember all the details of the gibbush. Sadly, although I finished Yom Sayarot, I didn't get invited to any more tests. I'm certainly disappointed in the results, but I'm proud of myself for finishing and I know I could not have pushed myself more than I did.

On Sunday morning I, along with two others from the garin, made our way to the meeting point. Along the journey we met a few others in their crisp-white mandatory tshirts and running shorts and we started to anticipate the details of the tests. After hanging around at the meeting point for some time we hopped on the army buses going to the unknown location for the gibbush.

As we arrived we were sent to register for the two days and were issued a number. This number was our identification for the duration of the two days; no names, just numbers. Mine was 33. Though I am not superstitious in the slightest, I began convincing myself that this particular number was a good omen. We had to then write our numbers on the front and back of our shirts.

After that, we were sent to the doctors for a last-minute check. With my heart rate quickly rising with adrenaline, the doctor said it was too high to continue to the tests. Oh Lord! Me and my bloody heart...I come all this way just to be turned around because of my heart rate! Anyway, she told me to step outside with the other umpteen over-eager guys and relax. I returned a few minutes later and she quickly pronounced me fit and ready to go. I breathed a sigh of relief.

Next came more standing around and waiting (for what, no one really knew), and then we had to fill out forms giving our preferences for the units' tryouts. Yom Sayarot could lead to tests for Sayeret Matkal, Shayetet 13 (Navy Seals) and Chovlim (Naval Commanders). These units are the best of the best, and it was an amazing opportunity just to try my hand at this first stage.

That afternoon we were meant to do the Bar-Or Test, a 2km run, push ups, and sit ups. However, on that day there was a heatwave, and so the commanders couldn't do it. Instead, we got the equipment ready and cleared the testing area of any twigs and wood. Looking up and seeing 500 people clearing tiny twigs from the area was a surreal sight. It felt like a huge time-waster (it probably was). 

Next came dinner. Here was where I showed my true British heritage. The commanders decided that the best way to feed 500 guys was to unleash them all simultaneously onto 3 tables of food. Consequently, in all the balagan that ensued, I decided to patiently queue and wait for an opening to appear. It meant that I went slightly hungry that night. Legally, the army have to give you 7 hours sleep before the tests, which meant that we were given sleeping bags and sent to sleep at around 9pm.

Then the tests began. We were woken up at around 4am and divided into groups for the rest of the day. We collected our equipment (stretchers, shovels, sand bags, and jerrycans) and walked to the area we had cleared the day before. The area was of sand; soft and fine sand that dragged down every step you took. The first thing we did was to take our equipment and carry it up a sand dune. This dune was without a doubt the steepest I have ever seen. I wondered whether or not they really expected us to work on this particular part of the dune. My pondering was quickly (and painfully) answered. After a quick pee break, we carried the equipment back down the dune. Then we began. For the first hour, we did nothing but sprint up and down this dune. Each time, the commander would ask us whether or not we could improve our position in the group. Each time we would answer yes, and in turn he would reply "tze!" ("Go!") and we would again sprint up and down. By the end, my legs were burning and I was trying desperately to catch my breath. Every step in the sand drained your energy, and my shoes were so full of sand that my toes were hurting with the pressure. But I couldn't very well ask to stop and empty them. In this first part, quite a few people in my team dropped out, and I saw them sitting down and drinking water. No matter how attractive it looked, I kept reminding myself why I was there. No way was I going to give up. (Besides, if I did it wouldn't make for a very exciting blog).

After an hour or so we were given a short rest break to drink water. I made sure I was the one pouring the water for everyone. I decided at that point that I would take the day break by break. It wouldn't matter how tired I would get, I would just have to wait for that sip of water. 

The next part was also sprinting, but this time with stretchers. We were told to sprint up and down the dune, and the first few down had to carry the stretcher and the jerrycans up the dune, whilst everyone else had to carry on with their dune sprints. I managed to carry the stretcher a couple of times, and the jerrycans a couple of times. After another hour came another welcomed water break, and after that came the third task; to build a hole. The order was clear; to dig a hole 1m x 1m x 1m. I decided to go about it tactically and ended up with what I thought was my best part of the day. The walls of my hole were almost 1m exactly, including it's height, and the walls were straight. For somebody with minimal DIY skills to say the least, I couldn't believe my luck. After about an hour of digging, the commanders came round to check and ask questions about the holes we had dug. One even said that I had done this task very well. That spurred me on.

After yet another water break, we started on the final and most difficult task. We filled up sandbags and placed them in a line at the base of the sand dune. We had to crawl towards the sand bags, put them on our shoulders, run up the dune, back down, drop them at the bottom, and run back to where the crawling began. This went on for about an hour. Each crawl took so much energy through the sand, and this was by far the hardest part. I was happy with my speed though, and I definitely felt like I had finished the day on a high. We then sat round in a half-circle and introduced ourselves to the group and the commanders. It turns out that one of the commanders happens to be a big fan of London, and loves West Hampstead (a funny word to hear in an Israeli accent).


Myself, Jacob, and Ari post-Yom Sayarot (before we found out our results)

We then returned back to the "base" and waited to hear our results, whether we were accepted to the units' tests or not. It was an anxious wait. One of the commanders read out the numbers of those who had got in and those who hadn't. My number was among those that hadn't. I was very dissappointed. I could not have worked harder than I did, and I pushed myself beyond the limits I thought I had. However, for one reason or another, I didn't make it through. But I guess that all is for the best, and if my personality or character is not suited to such units, then so be it. There are plenty of other amazing places in the army, and I will still push myself to the limit to give what I can give.

The next thing is to decide what my preferences are for units in the army, and to pass my Hebrew retake. So onwards and upwards.

Monday 16 September 2013

My Profile (finally) and my fight for Yom Sayarot

Finally finally finally I have received my profile...a 97!! Happiness doesn't quite describe the feeling. On Sunday I made my way, along with another guy from the garin, back to the Lishkat Giyus in Tiberias. After a two and a half hour wait I was called in to see the cardiologist. By the way, during my long wait I felt very old, surrounded by 16 year old Israelis all going for their Tzav Rishon. It hit home how, though the 16 year olds might not realise it, they are given such big responsibilities at such a young age.

I was given an ECG test and the cardiologist listened to my heart and took my blood pressure. Again, the blood pressure was high, however I had come armed with papers from a cardiologist in the UK explaining that all was fine with my heart. Without delay, the Israeli cardiologist pronounced my heart fit for full service and gave me a 97 profile. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief and smiled a huge grin. After all that, all the frustration of the last two weeks, I was given a top profile.

As mentioned in the previous post, the army saw fit to send me to Michve Alon in December. Although I could retake the Hebrew test in November, it would mean that even with a 97 profile I could still not be allowed to do Yom Sayarot, the tests for the elite units. The army do not allow those who need to go to Michve to try out for the special units. However, I pushed and I pushed and I pushed. In the end, having written a letter to the army explaining my motivation, I received my official summons to Yom Sayarot. This is not something I take for granted; I have fought for this and I will give my all to the tests. My thanks go to Garin Tzabar and my Mashakiot (soldiers with our garin) for helping me so much along the way.


My official summons to Yom Sayarot

I have been dreaming of this opportunity for years, and now it's here. Next week are the tests, and they will be grueling physical tests. They are a day or two full of sprints up sand dunes, crawling, sprints with weights, and group exercises. At the end of the tests, if you succeed you could be asked to come back and test for specific special forces units in their own gibbushim. There are gibbushim for Shayetet 13, Sayeret Matkal, and each have offshoots for units like Shaldag, Unit 669 etc. However, even finishing Yom Sayarot is an achievement. Many people have given me often conflicting advice on Yom Sayarot. However, all I can do is give my absolute all. In the end, this is a chance to serve my country at some of the highest levels. Will let you know how it goes! Until then, I'm resting up and preparing.

Here goes....

Wednesday 11 September 2013

More results from the Tzav Rishon...Kaba, Dapar, Michve Alon, and finding strength in frustration

This week I have found out three very important results from my Tzav Rishon. The first two were my Kaba and Dapar. The Kaba is your "personal classification" score and the Dapar is your "intelligence" score. In the latter, I didn't do as well as I would have liked, but at least I passed the threshold required of any candidate for officers' school (if I were to want to do that one day).

My Kaba is 53 out of 56, which again is not the top but it's fairly decent and again, allows me the theoretical opportunity for officers' school in the future. To be honest, I still have no idea what the marking criteria is. But those are my scores!

Though the scores were decent, they weren't necessarily what I was hoping for (although they will have no effect on which unit I end up drafting to). Added to which, I received the utterly surprising news that according to my tests I will have to go to Michve Alon. Michve Alon is the army Ulpan - a 3 month Hebrew education programme. Though you begin your army service at the start of Michve, every single person has said that it's a waste of three months. I just don't understand why I have been officially placed there, along with half of my garin. Every guy, bar one from the garin, has been told that they have to go to Michve. Statistically this makes no sense, given the fact that in the previous garin here on Lavi for instance, only 1 out of 25 or so had to go.

Having to go to Michve also complicates things with applying for certain units. It's all a little confusing but bottom line, I am fighting with everything I have not to go there.

Coupled with the above frustrations, I have the added pressure of not yet knowing my medical profile, the crucial results from the Tzav Rishon. As I've said, I have my appointment with the cardiologist on Sunday and I will hopefully know then. 

So it's been a frustrating and sobering week to say the least. Everything seems up in the air and uncertain. However, the way I see it, at least I get this merit to feel frustrated on this Aliyah journey as a lone soldier. In an ideal world of course, none of these annoyances would exist. However they do, and that's life. All I can do is work my hardest, push my hardest and give my all. Because despite the difficult uncertainties that I'm facing, I'm here and I will give my all to serve. This is my dream.

So I will carry on training hard, working hard on my Hebrew, and I will update the blog once I receive my profile.

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Tzav Rishon

Just had my Tzav Rishon, and what a day it was!

We headed off early to the nearest army office in Tiberias. Having discussed and thought about this day for so long, my mind was buzzing and I was so excited. When we arrived, we waited for our first interviews and Hebrew tests (waiting was a recurring theme of the day). The interview is just a way to introduce yourself to the army so that they can draw up a profile of who you are, where you've come from etc. Within the interview I had my Hebrew test, which involved answering questions like "what do you like to do on holiday" and "why did you make Aliyah?". I then had to fill in the blanks in open-ended sentences, all of which I thought went okay. All this will determine whether or not I have to go to Michve Alon, or army Ulpan. I really hope not!


Jason and I, with our good luck cards from Alexa, another member of the Garin



Lishkat Giyus, the army office where the Tzav Rishon took place

After that I was sent to a room I wasn't meant to be sent to (fun!), and eventually found myself in the Psychtechnic exam room. This test helps builds up your profile, and will determine whether or not I can progress in rank in the army and one day become an officer, so I took it very seriously. It was a half an hour test of completing sequences of shapes under timed pressure. At the end of the first part of the test the computer said that I hadn't completed all the questions, and yet I definitely had. So after a slight inner-panic I told the soldier there what had happened and I was greeted with a smile and "it will be okay", whatever that means....Never have I been so annoyed at a smile. I just really hope it was okay! The results come out on Sunday, so we'll soon see (you get the results from https://www.aka.idf.il/main/giyus/).

After that came the medical. I had my blood pressure, my height and my weight taken and told to pee in a cup. Due to nerves and excitement, my blood pressure reading was sky high and this was immediately noted by the doctor. His first question was where I wanted to serve. I replied that I didn't know exactly but that I wanted to give my all and would love to try out for the special units. He immediately said I couldn't because of the blood pressure reading, at which I began a tirade of angry explanations. I had had this problem before with my medical for Garin Tzabar, and I had had to undergo all sorts of tests with a cardiologist, to be told that my heart was in perfect order. At this the doctor told me to calm down and threatened me with a non-combat profile. I quickly calmed down. However, despite all my notes and forms, I have been referred to an army cardiologist in a couple weeks' time. Then, having to strip naked and having my nether-regions examined by a middle-aged male doctor was no real comfort (although no problems there thankfully).

So where am I at the moment? If the cardiologist gives me the go-ahead I receive a 97 profile and can try out for the special forces units. If not, I will receive a 72 and can apply for tanks, artillery, and engineers, amongst others. Of course I am frustrated, but these things have a way of working themselves out, and whatever happens, I will be doing my very best for my country. I will be happy wherever I end up.

On a practical note, today has made me think once again about tanks. I have thought of putting tanks as my first choice for a while. They might not have the immediate prestige about them, but they are respected by all. Lochamim (fighters) in tanks work so hard, and their work is of such vital importance. I quite like the idea of a "get on with it" kind of tafkid. Added to which, progression in ranks can happen a lot faster in tanks, something that could be important to a 22 year old like me. I am thinking hard of putting tanks as my first choice, even if I receive a 97 profile. We shall see. Until then, I just need my ticker to get the all-clear (again).

Tomorrow night is Rosh Hashana and I will be with my family in Ra'anana. Saying "Shehecheyanu", thanking God for bringing us to this point, will be especially poignant for me - my first Rosh Hashana as an Israeli. I wish everybody a Shana Tova, a happy and a healthy new year.

שנה טובה

Thursday 29 August 2013

Gadna

I have just come back to the kibbutz from down south, after my week on Gadna. Gadna was set up primarily for young Israelis at about the age of 16, just before they begin their army process. It was set up to teach kids about the IDF, its roles and responsibilities. It also aims to introduce people to army life and discipline. They set aside this week especially for Garin Tzabar, to introduce us to the army we will be joining in a couple months time.

All the Garinim from across the country came to Gadna this week, and it was a lot of fun seeing the European Garin, who I hadn't seen since the seminars in the UK. 

It wasn't exactly the most challenging week - there was a lot of standing around and jogging 10 metres or so at a time. But we did go out into the field and were introduced to some of the basic skills taught to combat soldiers. All in all, I didn't take the week very seriously (none of us did) and I enjoyed being with my Garin as a tzevet, or team. 



Out in the field

That being said, it marked one more step towards my draft date. Wearing the mismatching and ill-fitting uniform reminded me that very soon I'll be wearing it for real. 

This week I have my Tzav Rishon, my first test with the army, where I will find out my profile. Will update the blog with the news....

Thursday 22 August 2013

First week as an Israeli/Countdown to my Tzav Rishon

It's strange to think that it's only been just over a week since I got here. Last Shabbat was my first as an Israeli, and it was a special feeling watching the sun setting over the hills around the Kibbutz on Friday afternoon. That Shabbat, the previous Garin had a "Shabbat Garin", where as many of them as possible got out of the army for Shabbat to spend it together on Lavi. It was interesting to hear where they all were in the army and the advice they had for us. That Shabbat, I also met a woman here who knew my Booba and Zeida (grandma and grandpa). She almost began to cry when she heard my surname! It was they who had persuaded her to settle on Kibbutz Lavi. There's a certain historical circularity about it, as my Booba and Zeida were connected with the Kibbutz (see "The Interview, the Kibbutz and Historical Circularity").

The following day was full of bureaucratic necessities, and that day I received my Teudat Zehut (ID card). I even got a nice message from the woman who sorted my papers.



Later on in the week we had a Hebrew test, which will determine which Ulpan class we'll be placed in. I feel like it went well, but we shall see! I'm working hard on my Hebrew at the moment, and taking advantage of the time I have. Whatever happens, I do NOT want to go to Michve Alon, the army Ulpan.

Today we spent the morning working in the fields on the kibbutz. For the first time since I arrived, I had time to think as I worked. Looking out towards the hills, I realised I'm actually here, I made it. After 4 years of expecting and planning, I'm actually here. 


Of course I miss my family a lot but we still find ways to keep in constant contact!



Next week all of Garin Tzabar will be making their way down south for Gadna. Gadna is there to give Israelis a taste of army life. It will be weird going back, because I was there 4 years ago on Marva, a similar two month course, but judging from Marva it won't be taken too seriously and will be a lot of fun!

We now have our date for our Tzav Rishon, just before Rosh Hashana, the week after Gadna. The Tzav Rishon is the most important army test, and will determine where I can and can not serve. It's a day comprised of a medical, an interview, psychological and psychometric tests. The interview will ascertain my Hebrew level, so the countdown begins to improve my Hebrew as much as possible!

Will update the blog next with the fun happenings of Gadna!

Thursday 15 August 2013

My New Home

The pasts two days have been mad to say the least - I have made Aliyah, given a speech to hundreds of people, met my new Garin and moved into my new home on Kibbutz Lavi. Here are the details.

So Tuesday night I landed in Israel. I can't explain the feeling of seeing the lights of Tel Aviv in the distance as we approached the airport. There is no feeling like it. I could just imagine generations and generations of Olim catching that first glimpse of Israel. What a feeling.

After landing, I went to fill in paperwork (which took hours and hours) and was lucky enough to have a little welcoming party waiting for me! That night I stayed at my family in Ra'anana and I had to be at Tel Aviv University for the Garin Tzabar opening ceremony the next morning.

Before coming to Israel, I was asked to give a speech at the ceremony at which Prime Minister Netanyahu was supposed to be attending. He recently had an operation, so Mrs. Bibi ended up going in his place. There were all sorts of dignitaries there and it was a privilege and unbelievable honour to have been asked to speak.

At the ceremony I met my Garin for the first time. I was nervous at first because I didn't know how I would settle in. I hadn't been with them for the seminars and they already knew each other, but my nerves were pointless. I've joined a great Garin and I'm enjoying getting to know them all.

Most of the things we're doing until Rosh Hashanah are geared towards introducing us to the Kibbutz and Kibbutz life. For now, I'll be getting my bearings around my new home.


My new, humble home.

Thursday 8 August 2013

Aliyah...today is the day

The day has finally come, the day I've dreamed about and imagined since I was a boy. After all the goodbyes, my room is empty and my bags are packed. I have to say, today is an overwhelming one. It goes without saying that leaving behind loved ones and friends is not an easy thing to do. It has been the most difficult thing I have ever done.

Actions are far greater than words, so I will keep this post very brief and catch my flight. Besides, no words could do justice to how I feel on this day. But I will end with a quote from a great Zionist leader and doer. Upon the establishment of the State of Israel, David Ben-Gurion wrote to Chaim Weizmann, Israel's first President, thanking him for his tireless efforts in helping to establish the nascent State. In his response, Weizmann wrote:

"I am fully convinced that all who have and will become citizens of the Jewish State will strive their utmost to live up to the new opportunity which history has bestowed upon them."

Time to strive.

Tuesday 21 May 2013

Aliyah file and Lone Soldier benefits

This afternoon I got a phone call from Garin Tzabar, telling me I had passed the interview. I am now officially a member of Garin Tzabar.

As I mentioned in the previous post, I had my first meeting with the Jewish Agency to sort out my Aliyah file. Seeing as this blog's primary intention is to be as informative as possible, here is how the system works.


  1. Give the Jewish Agency a call
  2. Register online (lots of fun forms)
  3. Meeting no. 1 to open the file
  4. Your file is then sent to the Israeli Ministry of Absorption to be approved
  5. Once approved, your passport is then sent to be stamped with an Aliyah visa
  6. Meeting no. 2 to book your free flight
I would recommend beginning the process as early as possible (something I didn't do). 

I compiled a list of all the benefits and rights that a Lone Soldier, who makes Aliyah, receives. It can be a bit confusing if you're researching, so I've done my best to make sense of it.

Sal Klita (Absorption Basket)

August –                  1250 (at airport)
                                 1381 (after bank account is opened)  
September –            2573
October –                2573
November –            2573                  352          (extra after Yom Giyus)
December-                                        352
January –                                          352
February –                                        352
March –                                             352
April –                                               352
May –                                                352
June –                                                352
July –                                                 352
August –                                             352
September –                                       352
October –                                           352
November –                                       352
Total:                      18,069 (the rest being given after the army)                                               
                                                           4224       = 22,293 NIS


Army

1400 NIS/month

Nefesh B’Nefesh

5,500 NIS (On Yom Giyus, drafting day)

Rent

Misrad HaBinui v’HaShikun – after one year, 402NIS/month
745 rent + 305 bills = 1050 NIS/month (no local tax during service and 4 months after)

Supersal (a supermarket chain)

120 NIS/month (on Choger)

RIGHTS
  • ·         30-day leave per year and can travel abroad during regular leave
  • ·         1 free flight (after training)
  • ·         Yom siddurim – 1day/month (during training) 1day/2 months (after training)
  • ·         Early leave on Fridays with free weekend, to be home by 12pm
  • ·         Parent visit – 8 days/year
     I hope that makes things marginally clearer for anyone looking into these things.



Sunday 19 May 2013

The Interview, the Kibbutz and Historical Circularity

I've just come back from the fourth and final Garin seminar, and there's lots to update the blog with. I have had my interview with the Committee and have found out where my new home will be...Kibbutz Lavi! Kibbutz Lavi is in the north of the country, 10 minutes away from Tiberias, by the Kinneret. It looks like an amazing kibbutz, in an incredible location. Lavi was the one I wanted, and I feel privileged to have been given, as I see it, this honor. The reason I wanted Lavi was because of my family connection to the place. Part of my family were instrumental in its establishment, and my Booba (grandma) fundraised for the kibbutz during the Second World War. There is even a plaque in honour of a family member outside the Kibbutz synagogue. I'm not usually one to ascribe to theories of fate, but emotion does swell when I think of the historical circularity. Out of all the kibbutzim in the country, I have been given Lavi, one that my family helped establish. I will be living in the place that they set up. I hope I do their memory proud and play my small part in adding to their Zionist legacy.
It's not a very clear picture, but this plaque on Kibbutz Lavi says "Synagogue, in the name of Rachel Sklan" (family member)

Being the fourth and final seminar, I had my interview with the Committee. I thought it went well, I managed to make them laugh a couple of times, and I managed to get across what I wanted to. There were no surprising questions really: they asked me things like when did I decide to do this, and where would I like to serve. They also asked me more personal questions about my family, and asked me about my health etc. All in all I quite enjoyed it, and we will hear whether or not we are formally accepted to Garin Tzabar by Wednesday. At the end of the seminar, there was a parents' meeting, at which parents of the Garin came to ask questions and hear more about the kibbutz and army service. Tomorrow I have a meeting with the Jewish Agency concerning my Aliyah File (to make Aliyah you need an Aliyah visa stamped in your passport), so will update the blog after Wednesday.

Being the last seminar, we reflected on this whole preparation period that has now come to a close. For me, this all started in December, and I sat there this weekend, thinking about how the first part of my Aliyah process is coming to a close, and the next part is just about to begin. I am about to start my new life as an Israeli, and the thought of this both scares and excites me greatly. It suddenly hit me how much I am leaving behind. When you deal with all the small preparatory details, you don't have so much time for reality to really register. It all seems like a blur. However, it really hit me this weekend. It is not going to be easy I know, but I am truly proud of myself. I am about to become an Israeli.

Monday 22 April 2013

When the Garin Becomes Home

This weekend was the penultimate preparatory seminar for Garin '13. Well, really it was the last preparatory seminar, given that the next one's focus is on the interview with the Committee (I'll come to that in a bit).

The focus of this third seminar was on kibbutz life, especially in the absorption period from August 14th until our draft date in November. We were meant to find out which kibbutz it's going to be, but, in typical Israeli manner, the date of us finding out has been pushed back. The Garin has grown to 28 members with some new editions from France, Amsterdam and the UK. We were told that ours is the most multi-cultural European Garin they've ever had. Absorbing the new members took no time at all, and by the end of the seminar I had to remind myself who had recently arrived and who had been there since seminar 1.

On Friday we carried on with some more group-bonding games and exercises, and the next day we focused on the Garin and kibbutz life. We were introduced to a rough plan of what each week might look like: working on the kibbutz, ulpan, physical prep for the army, trips around Israel, a week on Gadna (!) and army tests. It sounds like an intense 3 months. Given the intensity, we ran through scenarios that might cause frictions within the Garin, and discussed ideas of how to rectify them. It was at that moment that I felt my age, having had to deal with many of those situations on my gap year and at University.

Another major focus was on the Committee interviews. Next seminar there will be a panel that come and interview us one-on-one (or five-on-one actually). The Committee consists of an army representative, the kibbutz co-ordinator, a representative from Garin Tzabar worldwide, and our seminar co-ordinators. Each one is looking for a certain thing, and each will be seeing if we fit their criteria. It's worth noting that you're not formally accepted into Garin Tzabar until you pass this interview (so I hope I'll be able to write the next blog post!). The interview will be in hebrew, or as much hebrew as each person can do. So this month I'll be focusing on the appropriate vocab.

As I said, by the end of the seminar I couldn't easily tell apart those who had just arrived to the Garin and those who had been there since the beginning. I can see how quickly the Garin becomes your home.

One last thought for this post: a few people asked me why I hadn't written something around Yom Hazikaron/Yom Ha'atzmaut (Day of Remembrance of Fallen Soldiers/Independence Day). I think I'll wait until next year when, please G-d, I'm wearing the uniform of the IDF, with an Israeli I.D. card in my pocket and serving my country.

The fourth and final seminar is in a month, and until then I have lots of forms to fill out and an interview with the Jewish Agency to get my Aliyah visa. More on that next time.

Garin '13 משפחה לכל החיים

Wednesday 10 April 2013

(Very Limited) Advice

Seeing as it's almost 4 months until my aliyah date, I thought I'd share some of my limited advice for anyone considering taking the plunge. Here's a checklist:


  • Talk to people - talk to anyone and everyone who has anything to do with Aliyah/the army/Garin Tzabar to help you with your decision.
  • Call your local Shaliach - speak to the Jewish Agency Shaliach in your area, or the head office in London. You might end up speaking to a few unnecessary (and confused) people in the process, but call the Shaliach and they'll put you through to the organisers of Garin Tzabar.
  • Interview - you'll have an informal interview with the organisers (I had mine on the phone).
  • Research - research everything you possibly can about the army/aliyah. I've personally found it really useful to know details before the seminars. Though the seminars are of course there to relate the information, some bits are a bit confusing. It's always good to be one step ahead of the game. Useful things to know are a) units/structure of the army b) rough dates of the whole process c) financial benefits you receive from the government, the army, and agencies, for being an Oleh Chadash (new immigrant) and Chayal Boded (Lone Soldier) (these are a bit confusing).
  • Register with Nefesh b'Nefesh - this can be done online. Nefesh b'Nefesh have a support programme for Lone Soldiers, and you can receive a grant from them. You might as well sort that out while you've got plenty of time. 
  • Learn Hebrew - I haven't seen what it's like if you do or don't learn it at this point, but you might as well, and they always tell you to work on it.
As I said, I'm reaching the 4-month mark until my aliyah, and it's around 7 months until my draft date (my research tells me it should be November 24th). We just commemorated Yom Hashoah, the Jewish memorial day for the Holocaust. This picture did the rounds on Facebook that day.

To be a part of the rebirth of a people is a total honour for me. I like to think that whenever things might get difficult for me, be that in tests, training or service, I will cast my mind to images like these.

The third and penultimate seminar is coming up, so will update you then.

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Decisions

Having just finished Seminar 2, here’s the update. This marks the halfway point in the preparation process; in about two months, we’ll be having our interviews with the Committee, made up of representatives from the army, kibbutz, and Garin Tzabar worldwide, who will decide whether or not we’ll be accepted to the full programme.

Me (green t-shirt), Inbar, Daryl and Jake

So as usual, on Friday I made my way down to London from Leeds. I knew that the group had increased in numbers, but I didn’t realise to what extent. We now have 24 Garin members, many from France, new additions from Amsterdam, Turkey, England – it’s a real mix of languages and countries. However, my big news is the decision I have finally made. At the end of the first seminar, I thought I would stay with the European Garin, however, after having spoken to a lot of people with experience, I’ve decided to join the Religious Garin instead. It fits better with my lifestyle, after all I am religious. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially after seminar 2. The people in the European Garin are fantastic and I get on with them so well. It’s not going to be easy saying goodbye after the Opening Ceremony when we all go off to our respective kibbutzim. But I know we’ll stay in touch and I’ll come visit them. I will be doing the rest of the seminars with the European Garin, and I won’t meet the Religious Garin until I get to Israel.

Bar, Maya, Inbar, Jordan and Nicky



So that was decision number one. This seminar made us all think about decision number two; where we want to serve. The seminar focussed on army units and army tests. The first stage of the whole army process is the Tzav Rishon. The Tzav Rishon is a day of psychometric, psychological and medical tests that determine where you can and can’t serve. That will happen in August after we arrive. At the end of the day you’re given a profile, and each section of the army requires a certain profile number. So for example, to try out for the elite Special Forces, you need to get 97 (you can schmooze your way into the tests with a good 82 as well). During the seminar we practised with a psychometric test for the Tsav Rishon. I chose to do mine in Hebrew, and it wasn't easy!

I’ve known for a long time what unit/s I’m interested in, and I do have certain ones I am aiming for. However, it all depends on my Tsav Rishon and the grade I score. At the end of the day though, I am here to serve and to give everything that I can give. So to that end I’ll be pushing myself for the most that I can give, and the best unit that I can get into.

At the end of the seminar, alongside the usual Hebrew test, we were given a psychological one too. The results of the test are passed on to the committee and the army representative. It was a timed test full of strange questions, like filling in open-ended sentences like “my mother needs...”, and being asked to draw a tree. I have no idea how anyone could psychoanalyse those answers, but I hope I’m deemed sane! Although, maybe anybody choosing to do this whole army/aliyah thing is a little insane…

Next seminar is mid-April, so I’ll update you then!


Monday 21 January 2013

Welcome to Garin Tzabar!


As promised, I’ve just come back from the first Garin Tzabar seminar and here’s what happened. By the way, I’m sorry these posts might not be as exciting as future ones may be – there’s no running up hills, no long marches and no shooting to be spoken of, but as I’ve explained, I wanted this blog to take the reader from the very first steps of IDF service with Garin Tzabar, right the way through (to the more exciting stuff).

The seminar ran from Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. On the Friday I came down from Leeds and was excited to meet the group. If these were the people I was supposed to spend some of the most gruelling years of my life with, it would be a bonus if we got along, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. By the end of the weekend, I felt as if I’d known these people for months. The group is a real mix of people, from 17 to 23 year olds, and so far there are 13 people in our Garin (although that number will no doubt change).

The moment we first sat down in our first session, reality kicked in. This was really happening. After years of thinking about this, planning it all, it was really happening. I am about to up and move to the country I love and call home, to go and defend it. And these were the people that are to become my family. It was a strange moment.

The sessions were focussed largely on group-bonding exercises and intro-sessions on the whole Garin Tzabar process. For one of the group exercises, we were told that we had broken a Garin Tzabar record on our time completing the task – a good sign for the future!

One of the main things that came out of this seminar was the importance of learning Hebrew. At each seminar there is a Hebrew lesson, where I chose to stretch myself in the advanced class with the near-fluent speakers. It was challenging, but I think that’s the only way to learn the language – stepping outside of your comfort zone and not being afraid to make mistakes. There is a Hebrew test at each seminar, and we HAVE to show improvement at each one, otherwise we could be kicked out of the Garin. This all culminates in the fourth and final seminar in May, when the Delegation from Israel, including an army representative, comes and interviews us in Hebrew. This is the most important part of this preparatory process. I have to make sure that there is no chance I am sent to Michve Alon (the army Ulpan), because with my age (22 by the time I get there), the army might see me more as a burden than a help, and so might reject me.

The second question that was answered for me at the seminar was Religious vs. European Garin. There are Garinim from all over the world, mostly divided up according to geography. So there is the European Garin (our one), LA garin, New York Garin etc. There are also Religious Garinim that cater for observant Olim. Being religiously observant myself, I didn’t know whether to stay with the European Garin or move to a religious one. However, I was told categorically that I would not suit the Religious Garin environment; boys and girls are kept separate, you have to pray 3 times a day – it’s all a bit much for me, even though I do keep Shabbat, Kashrut etc. It’s just not the atmosphere I want. Plus, if the 13 of us are this close already, I can’t imagine how close we will be once we get to our Kibbutz. Why would I want to up and leave the group? So looks like I’m staying with the European Garin.

At the end of the seminar we were all asked to sum up how we were feeling. I said that going there, I was 100% sure of my decision and now I am 150% sure. Though the journey will be long, and the obstacles will be huge, I have made the decision to fulfil my dream – to become a part of the future of the Jewish people, and to defend its State. Plus, I’ll be doing all that with an amazing group of people.

The next seminar is the beginning of March, and will focus on the precise details of the Army, its units, its tests etc. Will report back then!