Ukraine-Israel: An Unprecedented Summer at Camp Yeka 2025
Summer 2025 was truly unprecedented for Camp Yeka, with two transformative sessions, one in Ukraine and one in Israel, each leaving a lifelong impact on the children who attended.
The Israel session came in direct response to heartfelt requests from Ukrainian Jewish children who, since the start of the crisis, have resettled in Israel. For these children, many of them orphans or from broken homes, Camp Yeka was not just a summer program but a chance to once again experience the joy, warmth, and inspiration they had come to know in Ukraine. In Israel, campers experienced milestone moments such as celebrating their Bar Mitzvahs in camp, and many put on Tefillin for the very first time. Some arrived not knowing even how to say Shema Yisrael, and left camp reciting it with confidence and joy.
The Ukraine camp was no less remarkable. Hosted at the FJC’s Or Avner Alumim Children’s Center in Zhytomyr, with generous support from JRNU, the session brought together children from across the country for a summer of joy, stability, and Jewish pride. The campus buzzed with energy each day, from spirited sports and engaging workshops to creative activities and lively trips. Evenings often turned into uplifting gatherings filled with song, discussion, and inspiration. For many of the campers, it was their only chance during the year to experience a warm and nurturing Jewish environment, and the atmosphere of belonging was felt everywhere.
One of the most moving highlights in Ukraine was when six boys underwent Brit Milah, each receiving a proud Jewish name. These sacred milestones were performed by mohelim Rabbi Alex Weiner and Rabbi Shmuel Golomb, who traveled especially to camp to ensure the mitzvahs could take place.
Both camps were made possible through the tireless efforts and leadership of Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, Chief Rabbi and Head Shliach of Zhytomyr and West Ukraine, whose guidance ensured that Yeka could reach the children in both locations.
The activities and programs were nothing short of phenomenal, carefully prepared and run in Ukraine by Mottel Kleyman and Shmulie Brackman, and in Israel by Mottel together with Shua Levin. From high spirited sports and music to moving late night Chassidic gatherings, every detail was infused with thought, energy, and creativity.
At the heart of it all stood the staff, an incredibly devoted group of counselors and leaders. With the guidance of head counselors Mendel Goodman and Yasha Lerner, they didn’t just run activities, they built deep bonds with the campers, inspired serious questions about Judaism, and encouraged powerful good resolutions for growth. Their devotion extended far beyond the campgrounds, the staff themselves spearheaded a grassroots crowdfunding campaign, uniting over 1,000 donors to make the dream of camp a reality.
The feeling shared by both staff and campers, including those who had attended many Yeka sessions before, was unanimous: this summer was something unique, something unforgettable.
Camp Yeka is led by Rabbi Levi Berger together with Rabbi Ari Block. To learn more about this special camp, please visit Yekaboys.com.
