Growing up in Arad, was not easy for Tali. While the city of Arad may be known outside of Israel as a place mentioned in the bible, or a city where asthmatics come to due to its clean, dry climate, within Israel, it is known as a small southern city with a relatively low socio-economic level including a low average income and high percentage of people on welfare and/or receiving child benefits. Growing up in Arad and coming from a broken home, Tali didn’t always show up at school. She mainly worked, as much as possible – to help support her family and help out at home. Life was difficult, but she was doing her part to help out. She recalls Yonatan coming to her high school to speak about Derech Eretz, and the option of attending a social-educational pre-military program (mechina), but didn’t seriously consider it at first.

Tali nevertheless came to the Derech Eretz Open Day, admittedly more to hang out with friends than to actually see the program, but something clicked for her and she instinctively wanted to stay in the serene Nitzana scenery. “It was something I knew was important for me to do,” she says. “I needed to get away from my surroundings and do something for myself. At that time, I was anyway no longer living at home, so I thought that Derech Eretz could be my home until I would join the IDF.”

The first month at Derech Eretz was a bumpy start, and Tali had to go home frequently to deal with family issues, including the passing of her father. With the full support and encouragement from the Derech Eretz team, she nonetheless decided to stick it out and return to the Nitzana campus to complete the program.

Tali graduated Derech Eretz and joined Caracal, a mixed-gender infantry battalion in the IDF. She originally wanted to join a different unit, but after being in Derech Eretz she recognized that she wants the opportunity to be a combat soldier; she wants to be a leader and affect change and bring these abilities of hers to her service. She chose Caracal based on this realization, and was prepared to give it her all, but at first was not accepted. She insisted on entering this unit and her perseverance paid off. Once in uniform, Tali almost did not complete the program, but instead of giving up, she insisted on repeating her training so that she would be eligible to be an officer in this particular unit. Nothing has come easily for Tali, but she has risen to the challenges that have presented themselves and by sheer willpower, she both entered and completed the program. Now, a year and a half into her service, she is happy with her decisions and her determination.

In October 2016, Tali received her bright green beret at a ceremony. Derech Eretz Co-Founders Avi Cohen and Yonatan Kischinovsky were there, watching on, with immense pride.