Thousands of Jewish Kids Attend Gan Israel Camps Across the Former Soviet Union

Moscow, Russia — This summer, more than 6,000 children from over 130 cities across 10 countries of the former Soviet Union are enjoying and exciting summer experience at ‘Gan Israel’ camps across the Former Soviet Union. The camps are run by local Jewish communities and coordinated by the Federation of Jewish Communities of the CIS and Baltic Countries, and Chabad Lubavitch representatives. This year’s camp season witnessed the operation of close to 50 separate summer camps, which involved children from dozens of more communities.

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Jewish youngsters took advantage of diverse camp programs offered at ‘Gan Israel’. As in past summers, this year’s campers had a refreshing and enlightening experience, full of interesting activities such as hiking, swimming, exploring nature, Shabbat celebrations, lessons in Hebrew and Jewish traditions, arts and crafts, and various excursions.

In many cases, ‘Gan Israel’ gives children their first exposure to Jewish life, since many of the participants do not attend or are just preparing to commence their studies at a Jewish day school. Yet others come from settlements that lack established Jewish communities or from smaller communities that have not yet set up a Sunday school. The idea is to maximize inclusiveness, so that all Jewish children can have the opportunity to become better acquainted with Jewish traditions, culture and lifestyle.

Both children and teenagers find life at ‘Gan Israel’ to be a healthy and welcome respite. Here, they enjoy three or more kosher meals per day, comfortable accommodation, medical care and good security. A typical day starts with a morning prayer and a nutritious breakfast, followed by games, excursions, and lessons where tutors teach the campers the basics of Judaism and Hebrew.

This network of summer camps is supported by the Ohr Avner Foundation, headed by FJC President Lev Leviev and the Rohr Family Foundation, headed by Mr. Sami and Mr. George Rohr, as well as the ‘Avi Chai’ Foundation, along with local and international donors who joined the FJC Summer camps fund raising campaign.

Staff from Israel and the USA unite with local students and youth leaders in assisting the campers to become more integrated into the Jewish world.

“The Summer camp experience is the backbone of the revival of Jewish life here” said Avraham Berkowitz, FJC Executive Director “The children are immersing in a Jewish atmosphere and at the same time benefiting from a wholesome summer vacation. This positive Jewish experience will last a lifetime”.