Jerusalem Mayor Moses Leon Celebrates Youth Leadership at 'Israeli Journey' Summer Camp

Jerusalem Mayor Moses Leon attended the closing ceremony of the 'Israeli Journey' summer camp on Wednesday, held at the Israeli Journey Village in the Jerusalem hills. The event was also attended by Eliezer Shkedi, chairman of the organization's board, Uri Cohen, CEO and founder, and representatives from the Goodman Foundation, which co-sponsors the camp. This summer camp is part of a five-year collaboration between the Jerusalem Municipality and the 'Israeli Journey' organization, through which the city subsidizes the participation of 600 Jerusalem youth in the camp. The initiative aims to foster leadership, strengthen belonging, and develop the city's younger generation through informal education.

The ten-day camp combines outdoor experiences with educational and value-based activities. Participants disconnect from daily routines and screens to engage in nature, hikes, water and challenge activities, workshops, team games, leadership circles, and discussions. The program emphasizes responsibility, giving, teamwork, love of the land, and Israeli identity. As a Jerusalem-focused camp, it also includes content about the city's heritage and its role in personal and national identity. Youth engage in value-based dialogue, group meetings, and shared experiences that promote listening, partnership, responsibility, and involvement.

During his visit, Mayor Leon spoke with the youth about their camp experiences and took part in the closing ceremony. He described the camp as "much more than a camp; it is a journey of values, friendship, and self-discovery." He praised the 600 young participants for choosing to disconnect from screens and connect with each other and the land, calling them "a quality and hopeful generation." Leon pledged continued investment in Jerusalem's youth to provide opportunities and strengthen value-based education, emphasizing that today's youth are the future leaders of Jerusalem and Israel.