“The value of trying to make the world a better place and the value of hard work are ones that I better understand thanks to Derech Eretz, and I have decided to take this with me onwards, for the rest of my life.”

“I come from the city of Ramle, although in high school, I attended boarding school in Ben Shemen. My studies focused on biology, agriculture, and social studies. During those high school years, I spent a lot of time volunteering at Magen David Adom (Israel’s Red Cross).

I heard about the Derech Eretz program for the first time, when I was in 12th grade and Yonatan came to our school and told us about it. Not quite realizing what I was getting into, I decided to attend one of Derech Eretz’s open days. During that experience, I started understanding that a huge opportunity lies before me – to take a short break from the crazy race that’s called life – and do something special with the free time I would have before entering the army. Derech Eretz was truly a very meaningful time that allowed me to formulate my identity through community service, by learning about my homeland and its society, by exploring different cultures, and by learning to take responsibility for myself. During this time, I realized what kind of human being I want to be and what values I wish to hold. The value of trying to make the world a better place and the value of hard work are ones that I better understand thanks to Derech Eretz, and I have decided to take this with me onwards, for the rest of my life.

After Derech Eretz, in March 2013, I enlisted in the Armored Corps of the IDF. At the end of my training, I went on to attend commander school, which lead to serving as a tank commander in the training division. In July 2014, I served in Operation Protective Edge in Gaza. Following the operation, I continued serving as a tank commander in one of Israel’s operational areas. I finished my three years of service in March 2016.

Following my military service, I returned to live with my parents, and went to work as a fisherman in the Maoz Haim Kibbutz.

In October 2017, I started studying Molecular Biology at Ariel University which will take 3 years to complete. I intend to continue on to a PhD in Medicine which will take 5 more years of study. While I do realize that my dream of studying medicine might seem like the impossible dream for a boy who went to boarding school, or for someone who works as a fisherman… but I know that I have it in me to do this. Thanks to Derech Eretz, I exceeded my own expectations when I became a commander in the IDF. Today, I know that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor and help others once I will finish my studies.”

Assaf Donnyo, 23, Ramle

Derech Eretz, Yerucham Campus

2012-13