Before the war, thirteen-year-old Noga’s life was pretty normal; she woke up in the mornings, went to school, and came home to her house in Mevo Hama, a kibbutz in the Golan Heights. She hung out with her friends and was involved in a lot of activities through the kibbutz, the regional council and her school. But her daily reality has been very different over the past few years.
“The situation in Israel has really been like a roller coaster for us. There were times when we didn’t go to school for months. There were other times when we were only out of school for a couple of days. It really depended,” Noga reflected. “The war has really changed my life; I think of living in the moment a lot more, and I’m always afraid something will happen. But because of Campers2Gether, I don’t have to deal with that right now.”
Launched by The Jewish Agency in 2024, Campers2Gether brings hundreds of Israeli teens affected by October 7 and the ensuing war to Jewish summer camps primarily in North America; Noga attended Camp Zeke in the Poconos in New York in 2026, the program’s third summer. Participating campers exchanged perspectives and formed lasting connections while discovering the power of Jewish peoplehood.
“I had a friend who came to this camp last year through Campers2Gether, and she had such an amazing time, so my entire grade really wanted to go this year,” explained Noga. “And I realized that this was something I wanted to do for myself, so I knew I really, really wanted to come, and I’m so happy I got to do it.”
From the moment Noga arrived, she was welcomed by the American campers and staff, who received the Israeli teens with enthusiasm and care.
“The Americans were really excited to know we were coming and as soon as we got here, they came up to us and hugged us,” Noga said. “They were so happy we were here and immediately connected with us and we became friends.”
Besides the people she has met, the camp setting itself has provided a healing respite for Noga.
“I really love the camp; it’s such a beautiful and peaceful place. The lake gives me joy and a sense of calm, and I laugh and smile a lot when I’m here,” shared Noga. “I’m thankful to Campers2Gether for giving me the time to breathe.”
