At first, Kenyo's mother was very worried about sending her children away to a Jewish Agency summer camp. However, once reports and telephone calls confirmed Kenyo's well-being and safety, Zodia decided to send her daughter Asanka (12) and son Dogu (11) as well.

On July 19th parents from the Meron Absorption Center were invited to visit their children who are participating in Jewish Agency summer camps across the country.  Zodiya was unable to go and leave her three youngest children behind. Instead, she helped Askana and Dogu onto the bus with kisses and hugs. "Take care of yourselves," she called to her children, "Send my love to Kenyo."

Kenyo Alebi (left) with his brother Dogu (center) and
sister Asanka (right) at Ben Yakir

Since Dogu had already heard from other children how enjoyable the summer camps are, it made it easier for him to say goodbye to his mother and three younger siblings. "It was so hard sitting in the bomb shelter day after day," Dogu recalls. "Even though the teachers [at the absorption center] helped us with our Hebrew and we had coloring books, I love playing outdoors and I miss playing outdoors. I am so happy that my sister is also coming with me and that we will be going to camp together with our big brother."

Kenyo eagerly anticipated the arrival of his brother and sister at Ben Yakir and excitedly greeted them as they got off the bus. Even though Kenyo misses his mother, routine phone calls have helped him to cope with his fears. Now, he is happy to have his brother and sister there too.

Photo Credit: Avi Hirschfield