Sde Boker is a safe place and the niche I found

In this post, I would like to talk about my safe place in Kibbutz Sde Boker and the niche I found within the kibbutz.

I already wrote about my safe places a few years ago, but about five years ago, my parents left for Beersheba, and a few months ago, they moved to Lahavim. The midrasha is no longer a place that I define as a safe place for me. I don't have my parents' house to visit, and the midrasha is no longer one of my safe places.

I have lived in Kibbutz Sde Boker since April 2014, and it is a safe place for me where I feel free to be myself without fear. Over the past decade, I have met many friends who have become my good friends, those who help me whenever I need it. I found a supportive environment on the kibbutz where I deal with Tourette's syndrome. I learned to live with the demon inside me called Tourette's syndrome. I learned to give it its place in my life and not let it take over. I live in coexistence with it.

I found a quiet and relaxed place on the kibbutz that is like a bubble of sanity for me in the country we live in. I know I have friends in Sde Boker who will support me and give me help when I need it.

For many years now, I have loved going to bars and enjoyed all the excitement that comes with them. Kibbutz Sde Boker has a pub that is open on Tuesdays and Fridays regularly in the evenings. The pub is also open on holiday evenings and at special events such as the Champions League semi-finals, kibbutz birthdays or other kibbutz events.

About six months ago, I spoke with Martin, who is a good friend, a kibbutz member and the pub manager, on behalf of the kibbutz. Because of my love for pubs and especially the kibbutz pub, I wanted to become part of the kibbutz pub staff. Fortunately, Martin liked the idea and trusted my ability as a bartender. At first, I worked with another bartender, and while working, I learned and developed. Now I often work independently as a regular bartender. I feel lucky to have gained Martin's trust and support, which allowed me to become a full-fledged pub staff member. I also feel like I am contributing to the kibbutz in this area.

This is my safe place and a supportive environment. I feel like I'm part of the community, contributing to a field I love, and feeling valued and loved. I've been searching for it my whole life, and I feel like I've finally found it at Kibbutz Sde Boker.