In Ukraine, Jewish Camp Widens Community’s Circle

Mariupol, Ukraine –- Dozens of kids from the Jewish community of Mariupol, a city in the Donetsk Region of Ukraine, are winding down from an unforgettable two weeks at the ‘Gan Israel’ camp. Based out of the Synagogue, the girls and boys were introduced to the laws of Kashrut, morning prayers, national holidays and living a Jewish lifestyle.

Divided into three different teams – ‘Mezuzah’, ‘Tzdaka’ and ‘Tefillin – according to one’s age, the youngsters had plenty of opportunities for both their spiritual and creative development. Under the guidance of counselors from the ‘Beit Chana’ Women’s Pedagogical College in Dnepropetrovsk, everyone learned many new and interesting things including how to make chala, matzah and kosher pastries.

Through this camp, the Jewish community of Mariupol also reached out to Jews who are otherwise not involved in the life of the local community, as well as children from underprivileged families. With several nutritious kosher meals per day and a rich educational program, next years camp is likely to attract even more participants.

The benefits that ‘Gan Israel’ camps are bringing to Jewish children across the Former Soviet Union cannot be overstated, all thanks to the Ohr Avner Foundation, supported by Lev and Olga Leviev. This particular camp was also made possible through the efforts of Chief Rabbi of Mariupol Menachem Mendel Cohen and his wife Esther.