Summer camp in Poland brings Jewish kids together for first time since the war

Around 170 young Jewish boys and girls from Europe, Africa and Asia gathered in Warsaw for a summer camp at Hilton Hotel, marking the first such camp since the Holocaust. 

The camp was organised by the Yael Foundation, a renowned Jewish organisation advancing Jewish education worldwide by strengthening Jewish youth’s connection to their Jewish identity and tradition.

Among the participant were young Jews from war-torn Ukraine, who had traveled more than 30 hours to get to the Polish capital. To ensure that everyone can participate regardless of the kids’ background, the Yael Foundation is covering all costs, including travel.

This year marks the camp’s third year in a row, with attendance doubling each year. Yael Foundation said that for some children, like those from remote locations such as Morocco and Georgia, it was their first interaction with their Jewish heritage.

The kids enjoyed kosher food at the luxurious hotel and went on trips around Poland as well.

“Creating unique and fun experiences for children who come from different cultures and languages is an amazing challenge. I am pleased that we met this challenge and that it even succeeded our expectations. I have no doubt that the children are returning to their countries full of experiences, lessons, and friendships that will stay with them the rest of their lives,” said Rabbi Shmuel Azman, the chairman of the Yael Foundation.

“One hundred years ago, Poland was the epicenter of traditional and vibrant Jewish civilization, one of the greatest communities in the Diaspora. This civilization was brutally and tragically erased in the Holocaust. This year, Jewish children from faraway countries return to Poland for a summer camp that strengthens their Jewish connection. I’m sure. that those Above are rejoicing in this,” he added.

The parents of several children from Georgia also praised the experience their kids had.

“I can’t even describe how wonderful the experience was for our kids. My children came back home bubbling with energy. They can’t stop talking about it,” wrote the mother of a Jewish child from Casablanca, Morocco.

Rabbi Azman received a particularly moving response from a Jewish father from Ukraine, saying: “My son will remember this summer for a long time to come. For a year and a half, he has been walking around with downcast eyes. You have restored the light to his eyes. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

The Yael Foundation, established by philanthropists Uri and Yael Poliavich, operates across five continents, supporting over sixty Jewish educational initiatives.