When the war broke out, Ofer, 14, from Merhavim, thought it would be over quickly. He soon realized that was not the case, and though his family wasn’t evacuated from their home, a sense of uncertainty became ever-present as they struggled to adjust to a new normal that was full of its own stressors and challenges.
It was his mom who saw a flyer about The Jewish Agency’s Campers2Gether program and encouraged Ofer to participate. Established in 2024, Campers2Gether supports Israeli teens impacted by the Swords of Iron War by providing them the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with their peers at Jewish summer camps abroad. The young Israelis get to experience a healing and transformative few weeks as they form deep connections and boost their resilience.
“At first, I didn’t want to go,” recalled Ofer. “I was nervous about the distance and the unknown. But my mom convinced me to try, and in the end, I was glad I did. Every day, there was something even better than the day before. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
Ofer flew with close friends from Israel to Camp Ramah Berkshires in New York, a camp that he had a special family connection to.
“My grandparents actually met at Camp Ramah. He was a counselor, and so was she. They got married, made Aliyah, and suddenly I found myself going back to the very same camp,” Ofer shared. “It felt like closing a circle.”
While Ofer was worried he wouldn’t click with the American teens, the camp experience turned out to be full of positive surprises, exceeding his expectations.
“I was afraid we’d be seen as ‘the crazy Israelis’ and not fit in. But I discovered the Americans were just like us – playful, curious, funny – and everyone was so nice, open, and patient. What really moved me was the singing after Friday night dinner; it was one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had,” Ofer said. “I felt like we were all connected – through songs, prayers, and our shared heritage.”
“I’m so grateful for this program and to all those who made it possible,” added Ofer. “Without Campers2Gether, I wouldn’t have been exposed to the world of Jewish summer camps – a world that connects people, cultures, and values. It strengthened my connection to Judaism and opened my eyes to a different kind of Jewish culture.”
