“Derech Eretz changed my life. I was destined to be a truck driver, but with the confidence I received at Derech Eretz I made it to the top units of the Nachal Infantry Brigade and served a meaningful service, participating in three IDF operations, and taking part in anti-terror warfare….

To this day, Derech Eretz is a part of my life. At Derech Eretz we performed community service, and I realized that I would like to continue to contribute positively to my society. Today I serve as a police officer in the city of Rahat.”

“My name is Arthur. My family and I emigrated from Belarus to Israel in 1998, and from that moment onwards, I have been living in Beer Sheva, in the south.

I grew up in Beer Sheva, and went to elementary and middle school in this city, but my high-school education I acquired in “Kfar Silver” boarding school near Ashkelon. In addition to my high school studies, I spent much of my time wrestling. As enlistment to the military was fast approaching, my dream of being a professional wrestler was called into question.

My parents were glad that I was going to join the IDF and hoped that I would be a truck driver in the military – an idea I was not very fond of, but one that I was beginning to get used to.

Then, one day, Avi and Yonatan arrived at my school and told our class about the “Derech Eretz program.” In those days, the program was just beginning and there were many uncertainties, but I saw the spark in their eyes and found meaning in what they spoke. Not long after, I found myself coming to Nitzana, excited to be part of a ground-breaking program.

I was confident about my intention of being a part of the program. It’s a half-year program that, besides preparing you physically for the army, also provides mental challenges and practical tools that helped us learn to deal with daily struggles in the military, and in life.

The program was an unforgettable experience for me.

From a young teenager that lacked self-confidence, I turned into a man that made it to the top units of the Nachal infantry brigade. I served a meaningful service in the IDF, and participated in the last 3 IDF operations – Pillar of Defense, Protective Edge, and Brother’s Keeper. In all 3 I took part in anti-terror warfare.

In the 6 months of the Derech Eretz program, I acquired the ability to make important decisions, and chose the right path for me – at every step and every crossroad. I can say, with complete certainty, that I am a different man today, thanks to Derech Eretz.

To this day, Derech Eretz is a part of my life. At Derech Eretz we performed community service, and I realized that I would like to continue to contribute positively to my society. Today I serve as a police officer in the city of Rahat.”

Arthur Kukshtel, 24, Beer Sheva

Derech Eretz, Nitzana Campus

2011-12