Impacting Camp, Connecting with Israel After October 7th

Every year, URJ Camps host Israeli counselors as a way to strengthen our young people’s connection to the land and culture of Israel. This summer, this initiative took on even more meaning in the wake of the October 7th attacks. 

Three hundred Israeli counselors came to URJ camps this summer, many of whom have worked at camp in the past. These shlichim (emissaries) connect with their North American peers and help them connect with Israel. This year, North American campers have witnessed rising antisemitism in response to the war in Gaza; many have complex questions about the conflict. Israeli counselors are able to help our young people gain a wider perspective about the war while nurturing their Jewish pride. 

This exchange is in no way one-sided. Israeli counselor Ron Halawani spoke about her experience at 6 Points Sports’ fifteenth anniversary celebration: “Everyone thinks that it is the counselor who impacts the camper, but it is definitely the campers who have the biggest impact on the counselor. Camp is family, a mishpacha.”      

I sat down with Halawani and Yuval Eliyahu, who is also a shaliach at 6 Points Sports, to discuss how they've impacted campers, what campers have taught them, and what made this summer different from all others.

What is your favorite thing about camp?

Eliyahu: Definitely the people. From the first moment I got to camp, this beautiful community embraced every part of me. The campers and staff taught me how to truly connect with myself and others. Camp’s made me a better version of myself. 

Halawani: I feel more Jewish at camp than I do in Israel. I've played volleyball for 13 years; playing sports at camp is definitely the best!

How did you hope to impact campers?

Eliyahu: I hoped to share Israeli culture with them, especially its warmth and love. Also, I hope to pass on the principles of discipline and self-control, especially since we're at a sports camp. 

I am also definitely looking forward to helping campers learn more about Israel and having the opportunity to answer their questions. It's a privilege to be that person for them if they are interested, especially older campers who are very curious and aware of what’s happening. 

Halawani: I hope to share Israel in a different, elevated way. This past year has impacted us all; I want to give them a space to process their emotions while also giving them tools to deal with things back home. 

What have your campers taught you?

Eliyahu: The main thing they taught me was to have fun. At first, three years ago, I thought my job was all about helping them get through the day and make sure everything got done correctly. Thanks to my amazing campers, I learned that this job is about so much more. They taught me how to have the best time at camp and enjoy every single moment.

Halawani: They taught me a lot about cherishing a camp friendship. Some of them only see each other at camp, so they want to spend every moment together. It's inspiring to watch them.

What brought you back to camp this year?

Eliyahu: As soon as I finished my six months of IDF reserve combat duty, I needed time to reflect and relax. I knew, for me, that the best place to do that is (and always will be) 6 Points. I always feel loved here and able to be my best self. So, I pushed back my university studies and decided to come back for a third year.

Halawani: The love I have for camp and the relationships I've built here are very important to me. I was called into reserve duty on October 7th. A few weeks later, I thought, "I need to do something for myself and go to a place that makes me happy." That place is 6 Points. 

What is your most cherished memory of camp?

Eliyahu: One of my best friends at camp was reading Torah, and the whole mishlachat (cohort) was called up to do the aliyahaliyahעֲלִיָּה"Going up." The honor of being called to recite the blessings before and after the Torah reading. Also refers to immigration to Israel, to "make aliyah" to Israel; plural: aliyot. Lit. "Ascent." . As soon as he was done reading, he turned and gave us all a big hug. That moment was very special to me; it was the first time camp felt like home for us. We knew this place was special; it gave us a space to be ourselves.

Halawani: For me, Israel Day at camp is always special. We come up with ideas and activities for campers and actually bring Israel to camp. We have Israeli music in the dining hall and eat falafel and hummus. It's a big thing for us as shlichim. I cherish every moment campers show interest in Israel and its culture.

Want to learn more about how you can help our Israeli siblings? Visit our Israel Resources page. To find out more about Israeli counselors and their tremendous impact on our campers, read the blog post, "We Bring You Peace."