When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the lives of Jewish children across Ukraine and those who left the country were forever changed. For them and their families, the promise of summer camp – combining a safe space and the feeling of Jewish togetherness – is a talisman that helps them weather a seemingly endless storm.

 

This summer, Federations have once again stepped up to deliver on that promise and provide that safe haven and relief for Ukrainian families who need it so desperately.

 

Last year nearly 1,400 participants enjoyed a break at 24 camps across 10 countries. This year, Jewish Federations have renewed our partnership with Mosaic United to support a major expansion of the camping initiative and will reach more than 5,300 children, teens, and young adults at 79 camps through 26 different providers spread across 14 countries, including for the first time within secure areas of Ukraine.

 

Federation partner, The Jewish Agency’s summer camp program in Transcarpathia will serve more than 800 children and young adults, connecting them to their Jewish culture and heritage, Hebrew language, and Israel.

 

At Federation partner, JDC’s Camp Szarvas, other Ukrainian teens join youth from across Europe and the Former Soviet Union to build their camp community together just as they have since 1990.

 

Thank you to supportors of Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey for enabling our local community to play a role in these humanitarian initiatives at the side of those suffering trauma of war and displacement.