Project Spotlight: Summer Camps for Olim Children

The Fellowship  |  August 27, 2019

When new olim (immigrants) make their home in Israel, they are welcomed with open arms in the Holy Land. Still, sometimes learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture can be challenging, especially when you’re a kid.

Thankfully, this summer, The Fellowship sponsored summer camps for olim children to prepare them for the new Israeli school system. The programs are being organized by the local municipalities of Bat Yam and Afula, and they are reaching out to children who’ve made aliyah (immigrated to Israel) from many different countries.

Two brothers Pavel and Boged, a pair of 6-year-old identical twins, were very happy that, despite being identical twins, neither their friends, nor the teachers were confused about who was who.

“We’re excited about going to school. The most important thing is that we have new friends. It’s really fun here at the camp. We learned to draw very nicely and it’s also fun learning math.”

The children are participating in Hebrew language and math classes, as well as drawing and music classes.

Fellowship President Yael Eckstein said: “We at The Fellowship are happy for having the privilege of being involved in the lives of thousands of olim who have chosen to establish their home in Israel. This year, 394 children from 28 countries who made aliyah with The Fellowship are starting their first school year in Israel.”

Vika, 6, made aliyah two and a half weeks ago from Ukraine. “I’m going to first grade and I’m really looking forward to it, even though I don’t know so much about school. I’ve already learned a few Hebrew words here and I want to continue learning in school. I already have a new friend in the camp and I’ll also have new friends in school.”

All the children are transitioning to a new elementary school setting and will make new friends who don’t speak their language. So these camps will hopefully make it easier for the children this upcoming school year!