Camp Yeka 2024: A Summer of Joy, Hope, and Jewish Pride in the Carpathian Mountains

This summer, Camp Yeka provided a life-changing Jewish camp experience for over 90 disadvantaged Jewish boys from Ukraine, offering them a much-needed break from the harsh realities of life. Nestled in the beautiful Carpathian Mountains, the camp’s serene and picturesque surroundings played a crucial role in creating a nurturing and uplifting environment for the children.

For three weeks, the boys were immersed in a world of warmth, fun, and Jewish pride. The campers enjoyed everything from hiking and swimming to arts and crafts, all while being surrounded by nature’s beauty. The fresh mountain air created an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, enabling the children to relax and forget their worries.

Camp Yeka’s incredible team of counselors, hailing from around the world, brought their unique energy and enthusiasm to the camp. The genuine love the counselors show towards each camper is a necessity of life often lacking in the campers’ broken homes and they take all the warmth of camp with them for the entire year.

One of the most touching moments of the camp was when three boys received their Jewish names, thanks to the organization “Brits Yosef Yitzchak” and their representative Rabbi Dr. Yaakov Geisinovitch. The expert mohel, Rabbi Natan Shternhel, traveled from Israel to perform the Brit, making it a truly special occasion. This significant milestone not only connected the boys to their Jewish heritage but also reinforced the camp’s mission of fostering Jewish pride.

Camp Yeka’s success this year would not have been possible without the essential support of our partner, JRNU, the Federation of Jewish Communities (FJC) and Chabad’s humanitarian arm in Ukraine. Their invaluable resources and assistance were instrumental in making this summer camp a reality.

Camp Yeka extends heartfelt thanks to JRNU Chabad Ukraine for their unwavering support and dedication to our shared mission, as well as to Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm of Chabad Zhytomyr and the Alumim Children’s Home, and Rabbi Mendel Glitzenstein of Chabad Chernivtsi for their dedication and tireless efforts throughout.

The three weeks of camp were designed meticulously by the directors and head staff to ensure that each experience, activity, and learning class would infuse the campers with a sense of Jewish pride and knowledge that would remain with them for a lifetime, returning to their homes and towns with the Jewish camp spirit they received

“They returned home with renewed spirits, strengthened Yiddishkeit, and lifelong friendships they built with other campers and counselors.”

Camp director Rabbi Levi Berger shared: “Yeka 2024 was more than just a summer camp; it was a bubble where boys could heal, grow, and reconnect with their heritage. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to making this summer a success, and we look forward to continuing this vital work in the years to come.”