Yad L'Achim Prepares Summer Camp to Strengthen Jewish Identity of Rescued Children from Arab Villages

Yad L'Achim is organizing its annual summer camp for children recently rescued from Arab villages, aiming to reinforce their Jewish identity and provide a supportive environment. The camp will take place in a large, specially adapted villa in northern Israel, offering the children a variety of activities including trips, social bonding, and immersive Jewish cultural experiences.

These children, who until recently lived in hostile Arab environments and spoke only Arabic, face significant challenges in forming their personal identities. The camp, named "Equal Group," allows them to openly discuss their past traumas and experiences with peers who share similar backgrounds, freeing them from the fear of revealing their true identities.

A veteran social worker from Yad L'Achim explained that many children feel the need to hide their identities in their new surroundings and are relieved to express themselves freely at the camp. One child’s spontaneous remark on the first day, "Are all these kids’ fathers Arab?" highlighted the relief and openness the camp fosters.

The camp also supports the rescued single mothers, who face dual challenges in rebuilding their lives. While the children are engaged in camp activities, the mothers receive much-needed respite and time for themselves.

The program includes visits to an amusement park, boat rides on the Sea of Galilee, trips to the graves of righteous figures, and enrichment groups. The camp is led by Rabbis Yoav Robinson and Chaim Kahn, along with a motivated team of counselors. A separate, parallel camp for the rescued girls will be held two weeks after the current camp concludes.

Yad L'Achim expresses confidence that, with divine help, the children will return empowered and enriched, ready to continue their new lives with ongoing support throughout the year.