Jul 5, 2011

Camp Szarvas Explores and Promotes Judaism in Hungary

Sasha Friedman

Summer camps serve as a place for young children to form friendships, create memories and enjoy various summer-fun activities. One camp in Szarvas, Hungary — created by the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s overseas partner, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation — aims to do all of the above in addition to changing and enriching the lives of its campers.

The Ronald S. Lauder Foundation AJJDC International Jewish Summer Camp — also known as Camp Szarvas — was founded in 1990 to address the needs of a growing population of Jews seeking a return to their roots after the fall of Communism. Today, Camp Szarvas welcomes more than 2,000 Jewish campers ages eight to 18 each summer, representing 22 different countries.

For many participants, this is where they come into contact with Judaism for the first time in their lives – as well as with Jewish youngsters from Western Europe and the United States. Such was the case for Sasha Friedman who is now Director of the camp. Friedman came to Camp Szarvas at the age of 13, where his own Jewish identity was formed.

“Through my many years of attending Camp Szarvas, I not only learned about my Jewish culture but I also connected and interacted with kids from many different countries. The camp inspired me and helped me cultivate my leadership skills,” said Friedman.

His charisma and commitment made him an ideal candidate for JDC’s Szarvas Empowerment Initiative, a three-year training program for young leaders demonstrating exceptional commitment to the camp as well as their communities. With each graduate, the Initiative helps create regional and worldwide networks that will strengthen world Jewry. Throughout the years, Friedman moved through the ranks as counselor to Unit Head to eventually Camp Director.

Szarvas campers also explore ways to enhance their Jewish communities back home and build models for participating in the larger, global community of Jews. Because of the international nature of the camp, approximately seven languages, including Hebrew, are spoken during each session.

Camp Szarvas and many other programs of the JDC in Eastern Europe and in the former Soviet Union receive funding from the Annual Greater Miami Jewish Federation/UJA Campaign.

“It’s programs like this that are fulfilling our Mission of helping to advance Jewish life in communities around the world,” said Federation Israel and Overseas Chair Raquel Scheck. “We are also so fortunate to have people like Sasha Friedman, who help to make certain that generations of Jews are engaged and connected.”

For more information on Camp Szarvas, click here.