Many children whom The Fellowship helps make aliyah tell our staff that moving to a new country like Israel can be difficult. They have to learn Hebrew, make new friends, and adjust to a different culture, to name just a few of the challenges. Every summer, The Fellowship supports camps and programs in 16 locations across Israel for children who have made aliyah within the past three years. This year, the camps are serving children ages 6 through 16 from the former Soviet Union, France, and Latin America.
These summer camps bring the children together five days a week for activities that help them learn Hebrew through songs, dance, and games while building friendships with other olim. Last week, Fellowship staff visited the camp in Akko for a special day attended by more than 20 campers. At the end of the day, each child received a water bottle and backpack as gifts.
Nine-year-old Misha, who made aliyah three years ago, said, “I really like coming here. I have friends from my class who come here, and I’ve also met some new friends. I really want to improve my Hebrew and get to know the history of Israel better. I really hope that next year I’ll also participate in the activities. Many thanks to The Fellowship’s donors who make it possible for us to come here. I really want to improve my Hebrew, and I can’t wait to go back to school and start studying. My favorite subject is sports.”
Yulia, who arrived in Israel with her two children just 22 days ago, says the camp is already working wonders for her 6-year-old daughter. Even as the family continues searching for an apartment, both her 6-year-old and 11-year-old are learning Hebrew, making friends, and spending time outdoors. They are both excited to begin school on September 1.
She says, “I want to say a big ‘thank you’ to The Fellowship donors who make this happen. The children are learning Hebrew, getting to know the culture, and making new friends. We don’t have family in Israel yet and we don’t have friends. This is a great place to meet friends. Thank you for making this happen.”
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3).