A Visit by the New York and Miami Federations

July 18, 2008 / 15 Tammuz 5768

Joel Friedman, a member of the New York and Miami Federations, together with his son, Josh, visited the summer camps in the South. The visit began with a tour of the “Afikef” day camp.

Josh observed the campers as they engaged in creative and cooking activities, and received explanations from the camp director Sonia Bouskila and from the counselors.

Some of the campers had just returned from an all-night activity.  The children spoke of their nighttime kumsitz with singing around the campfire through the night as well as the tasty freshly barbecued meat that they savored.

The visit continued with the police station and trauma center 106.  There we met with Shai Luski, who was at the side of the late Roni Yihye, when Roni was struck by the Kassam rocket that killed him.

After Shai related his personal story, Joel presented Shai with a gift, a grant from the Jewish Agency Fund for Victims of Terror.  The grant will help Shai pay for the rehabilitation he needs due to the wounds he received.

Later on, we visited Sima Shkouri at her home.  Her house was hit on June 18, eight hours before the cease-fire went into effect.

Ofer Baram
Director of Community Relations
Israel Southern Region