Last week the Kefiada summer school ended. It was very successful and enjoyable for both the counselors and the kids who participated in the camp.

One week of orientation and 3 weeks of camp flew by very fast. The counselors worked very hard during camp hours and together with Sagit Zaiton, the camp manager and Leah Mass the head counselor they gave the kids and unforgettable experience from Green day that dealt with ecology and economics to Cinema day and all Jews are Brothers day to trips to the Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem and water park in Tel Aviv. Of course everything was always in English.

After camp hours the Kefiada staff had a variety of leisure activities with and without the Israeli co-counselors. They had an evening in Tel Aviv, watched an air-force air show, joined the support concert of Gilad Shalit and spent a lot of time with the Israeli counselors. Once a week the group had a Peoplehood workshop where we explored different subjects such as community, leadership and identity which was very interesting.

The Kefiada summer school ended with a strong bond created between the Israeli and American staff and for us who escorted the project it was a very meaningful experience.

An interesting idea that came from the American counselors was to check if it is possible for them to go next year together (Israeli and American) and be the Cherkassy staff …..

They are very much interested in participating in more MW programs in Israel or in the US.I suggest discussing this as soon as possible so we will not lose the momentum.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the American staff, especially Justine and Leah who worked very hard in order to make this project a success and to the Israeli staff who hosted the American counselors in the famous Ofakim-Merhavim style.

Something to think about- this year Cherkassy staff is combined from 3 veteran Kefiada counselors and 2 veteran Mifgash participants.

Last Shabbat - While staying in Ofakim there was a small reunion of the first Mifgash and past years Kefiada and Cherkassy staff in the volunteer apartment. It was almost 10 years ago but still they had stayed in touch and remained friends. It was a very exciting evening for everybody; they cooked a Shabbat dinner together, did Kabbalat Shabbat, played the guitar and had a great evening. -  the old  Kefiada counselors, the new counselors, the Cherkassy new and former staff and former Mifgash … one big happy family…