Jewish Agency summer-camp ‘shlichim’ head to North America

In partnership with 146 Jewish Federations across North America, The Jewish Agency sends young Israelis, ages 19-25, to Jewish summer camps where they impart their experience and skills, creating lasting bonds with campers and forging connections to Israel.

Jewish Agency Shlichim preparing for their summer in North America. — Jewish Agency shlichim (“emissaries”) preparing for their summer in North America. Credit: Courtesy of the Jewish Agency for Israel.

(June 28, 2023 / JNS)

The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Summer Camp shlichim (“emissaries”) are gearing up for yet another impactful season, where, with support from Jewish Federations, 1,500 young Israeli leaders are heading out to join the staff at 158 camps across North America.

Jewish Agency chairman of the executive Maj. Gen. (Res.) Doron Almog was on hand to kick off training for the shlichim, which began back in March and continued up to their departure this month. In partnership with 146 Jewish Federations across North America, the Jewish Agency sends young Israelis, ages 19 to 25, to Jewish summer camps where they impart their experience and skills, creating lasting bonds with campers and forging connections to Israel. The shlichim hail from all over Israel and come from a variety of backgrounds in a true display of the country’s diversity.

Mark Wilf, chairman of the Board of Governors of the Jewish Agency, said, “Our shlichim spend the summer at camps across North America. In doing so, they foster genuine relationships with young Jewish North Americans that leave lasting impressions on both the shlichim and the campers. This two-way street of mutual understanding and connection to Israel creates a fabulous experience for everyone and a foundation for a meaningful connection between our communities.”

Jeffrey Schoenfeld, chair of Jewish Federations of North America’s Israel & Overseas Committee, said: “Each year, Jewish Federations partner with the Jewish Agency to bring hundreds of shlichim to our communities. These Israel & Overseas investments by Jewish Federations make possible countless moments of spirited singing around the campfire and meaningful discussions at the camp cafeteria table, which leave indelible marks on the hearts of young Jews in North America and Israel and help strengthen the relationship between North American Jewry and Israel for years to come.”

Gily Ariely, a Jewish Agency summer shlicha from Ashkelon serving at Camp Louise in Maryland, said: “I think representing Israel abroad is such a privilege because we get to make Israel fun, positive and engaging for all those kids who may not have this back home. So their parents often rely on camps being their source of knowledge of all things Israel. As a shlicha, our role is so important because we have the opportunity to shape or reshape someone’s view of Israel.”

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The Jewish Agency for Israel

The Jewish Agency for Israel has been working since 1929 to secure a vibrant Jewish future. It was instrumental in founding and building the State of Israel and continues to serve as the main link between the Jewish state and Jewish communities everywhere. This global partnership has enabled it to address the Jewish people’s greatest challenges in every generation. Today, the Jewish Agency connects the global Jewish family—bringing Jews to Israel and Israel to Jews—by providing meaningful Israel engagement and facilitating aliyah. It also strives to build a better society in Israel and beyond by energizing young Israelis and their worldwide peers to rediscover a collective sense of Jewish purpose. The Jewish Agency continues to be the Jewish world’s first responder, prepared to address emergencies in Israel and to rescue Jews from countries where they are at risk.