As Jewish overnight camps around the country prepared to witness the frantic clearing out of bunks, picking up the pieces of a post-Maccabiah whirlwind, and campers clinging to one another for the final campfire of the session, one thing remained certain: The memories, milestones, and magic that took place there would ripple far beyond the campgrounds.

At UJA partner Camp Zeke — which prides itself on its celebration of joyful Judaism through healthy, active living — the past two summers have provided a much-needed escape for Israeli campers from the ongoing conflict and the complex realities back home.

In the wake of the October 7 attacks, the Lakewood, Pennsylvania, camp expanded its ongoing efforts to help Israeli children experience the magic of camp. In the summer of 2024, with funding from UJA, the Israeli Camper Support Fund was launched which allowed Camp Zeke to cover the full cost for a group of children from northern Israel to attend camp for three memorable weeks.

In Israel, many of these children had their homes destroyed, faced education disruptions, and were separated from lifelong friends. At camp, they got to live freely — cooking, dancing, celebrating Shabbat, and simply being kids for a brief, healing moment in time. 

“Jewish camp is so much more than just a fun way to spend the summer — it's a profound identity-building experience," said Tracy Baum, the camp’s Jewish Life director.

“Camp Zeke offers the unique opportunity for campers to come together, celebrate their heritage, and form lifelong bonds with like-minded friends and mentors. That sense of belonging and joyful Judaism is more essential than ever before — and it's something you can't easily find elsewhere.”

Inspired by the impact of UJA and Camp Zeke in creating a joyful, environment for many Israeli campers, the Israeli Camper Support Fund expanded its support for summer 2025 to reach more communities in northern Israel and a community in the south. The number of participating Israeli campers doubled from the previous year. 

“The experience brought new energy and meaning to camp life,” explained Alina Bitel, a senior manager in UJA’s Jewish Life department. “Campers from both sides of the ocean were given a chance to feel the strength and warmth of one global Jewish family.”  

“It was both an honor and a privilege to take on the extra work needed to help bring these kids to Camp Zeke," added Rachel Pineles, associate director and director of new families of Camp Zeke, who herself lives in Israel. “I'm so glad this initiative came to fruition — it added a whole new level of purpose and meaning to my work, both this summer and last.” 

As one Israeli parent simply put it, “Camp allowed my son to be a child again — to laugh, to play, and to enjoy life — basic experiences that every child deserves.”