Mar 11, 2024

Summer Respite for Israeli Teens Impacted by the War

This summer, Campers2Gether will provide 1,500 Israeli teens impacted by the war with a much-needed break and a chance to experience the support of Jewish communities around the world. The new initiative, led by Federation partner The Jewish Agency for Israel, will help the teens reimagine their lives in a loving and less stressful environment. Created in response to the number-one request by parents in Israel’s conflict zones: a summer break for their children, participants ages 14-16 will travel in groups of 20, accompanied by counselors from their communities and a mental health professional to summer camps predominantly in the US. Campers2Gether covers all camp and travel costs and will supplement the summer session with therapeutic activities and counseling. The program is anticipated to have a positive effect on resident campers. “Meeting people who have gone through hell and being able to play, laugh and be together can give strength and pride to the American teens,” said Shelly Kedar, Director of The Jewish Agency’s Connecting the Jewish People unit. “Resilience generates resilience.”