Young Jews hailing from across Europe, Africa, and Asia gathered for the Yael Foundation's annual summer camp in August.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
The Yael Foundation, which works to advance Jewish education worldwide, brought the children together to strengthening their connection to their Jewish identity and tradition.
This year's venue was Warsaw, marking the camp's third consecutive year, and drew 170 children who participated in either the boy's or girl's camp. For some children, like those from remote locations such as Morocco and Georgia, it was their first interaction with their Jewish heritage.
Funded by the Poliavich family, the Yael Camp uniquely covers all expenses – including travel – ensuring that every child can participate.
This year welcomed a special group of campers who journeyed for over thirty hours to arrive from war-torn Ukraine. Since the outbreak of the war over a year and a half ago, many of these children have not left their homes due to the fierce fighting. For many, not only was this a chance to just be kids again, but it was also an exciting reunion with their friends who had been evacuated to other European countries and Israel.
Rabbi Shmuel Azman, the chairman of the Yael Foundation, summed up this year's experiuence, "Creating unique and fun experiences for children who come from different cultures and languages is an amazing challenge. I am pleased that we met this challenge and that it even succeeded our expectations. I have no doubt that the children are returning to their countries full of experiences, lessons, and friendships that will stay with them the rest of their lives."
