Viola from Austria about Her Volunteering at the Kaytana

Visit to Israel

On July 14th, my husband Ali and I set off [from Austria] for Israel to visit Monika Faes, who has been living in Jerusalem since April, and to join her as staff at a youth camp organized by St. James Vicarage, where Monika works. 

Interestingly, almost all of the young people at the camp are Filipinos. Their mothers come to Israel as workers, mostly in the care sector, but if they become pregnant, they lose both their work and residence permits. 

As a result, the children and teenagers also live without legal residency in Israel, even though they grow up there, speak Hebrew, and identify as Israelis. 

It was moving to witness, in part, what these young people are going through, and at the same time heartwarming to see the strong bond they share and how the community at St. James Vicariate serves as a refuge for them. 

I could share so much more – feel free to ask me! 

We are extremely grateful for this valuable experience at the camp, especially being able to see with our own eyes why Monika "left" us: to take on an important and challenging role, accompanying children, youth, and staff in a country that has never truly known peace, yet is still so full of joy and hope. 

Viola Wieser, Youth Pastor, Ramsau (A)

Photos: @V.Wieser