A Year That Turned Into Two
For Esti Weisman, the past year of service didn’t simply conclude – it unfolded into a deeper commitment. During her time at the pre-army academy, she found herself “falling in love with the young trainees who are so eager to grow.”
Midway through the year, she met the parents of the incoming cohort. They asked, even before knowing her, whether she would stay on another year for their children as well.
The leadership team echoed that request, and so did the community of Nahal Oz, who already saw her as part of their lives.
“They asked me to stay – the trainees, the parents, the staff… and Nahal Oz itself.”
Living and Rebuilding in Nahal Oz
Esti now continues her service in Nahal Oz, living with other volunteers in Mimi Panini’s home, a home Mimi generously opened to them, and which the group is helping restore after the devastation.
Alongside her role as administrator at the pre-army academy, Esti supports the new “kishishiniot” from Cohort Bet who have just arrived. She oversees essential supplies for the dining hall (with Iris) and the Havruta clubhouse (with Aviva), both fellow volunteers from Sha’ar HaNegev.
“I’ve basically become the procurement coordinator of Nahal Oz.”
A Community That Stayed Together
Thirteen volunteers from the original Eshkol group chose to continue living in the region.
They meet almost every week for shared dinners, rotating homes, cooking together, laughing, and holding each other through the year’s emotional weight.
These gatherings have become one of the most meaningful parts of Esti’s experience.
“Our weekly dinners have become a kind of anchor – joy, friendship, and a shared understanding.”
Looking Ahead With Questions and With Friendship
At a recent dinner, a deep question re-surfaced:
“What will we do next year?”
They realised that some long-time friends, loving and supportive as they are, cannot fully understand the transformation, growth, and shared experience that bind this group together.
No answers yet. Just an honest, thoughtful conversation.
But one thing is clear, Esti says:
“Even after this year ends… we will keep meeting.”
