Camp Yeka Strengthens Jewish Youth in Ukraine
Aimed at creatively strengthening Jewish tradition among Ukrainian youth, dozens of boys from across Ukraine gathered at FJC’s ‘Or Avner’ Alumim Children’s Center in Zhytomyr, West Ukraine, for a transformative Yeka Winter Camp. The 10-day program, supported by donors from across the globe through the camp counselors’ fundraising efforts, provided a crucial opportunity for the participants to deepen their connection to Judaism while finding respite from the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
Under the leadership of head counselors Mendel Goodman and Yasha Lerner, Camp Yeka’s team demonstrated remarkable dedication, securing funding and creating an enriching environment for the children. Their commitment proved especially vital during missile alerts when they maintained high spirits in bomb shelters through engaging activities and Jewish songs.
Program coordinators Shua Levin and Mottel Kleyman crafted a comprehensive schedule of activities, incorporating materials from Cazenove Judaica to weave Jewish education seamlessly into both indoor and outdoor programming. Camp Yeka’s timing coincided with Hey Tevet, a significant date on the Chabad calendar, allowing children to participate in a special program where they acquired translated books through the ‘Tzivos Hashem’ reward system, an initiative dedicated in memory of Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Kotlarsky.
Rabbi Shlomo Wilhelm, Chief Rabbi and Chabad emissary of Zhytomyr and West Ukraine provided crucial guidance and support, hosting the program at the center.
Camp Yeka concluded with several profound moments of Jewish commitment. Two young boys celebrated their Brit Milah, performed by Dr. Yacov Gaissinovitch, Chief Mohel of Ukraine from Brit Yosef Yitzchak, with counselor Shloime Ulman serving as Sandek. Additionally, two other participants pledged to don Tefillin daily, inspired by their camp experience. Their commitment will be supported by Tefillin Connection and the DansDeals Tefillin campaign, which provides pairs of Tefillin with the understanding that recipients will help others fulfill this mitzvah.
“These moments of Jewish connection are especially meaningful during these challenging times,” noted Rabbi Levi Berger, who leads Camp Yeka alongside Rabbi Ari Block.
