This weekend brought more tragedy to Ukraine, as strikes on Kyiv and other parts of the country left 10 people dead and more than 50 others injured. In the capital, fires erupted in several parts of the city, sending rescue crews scrambling to pull residents from damaged and burning apartment blocks.
Despite the ongoing crisis, we are continuing to provide children with some normalcy, through the Yeka Summer Camps. Fifty boys from Dnipro joined 80 children from Lithuania, France, Israel, and other parts of Ukraine at an international camp Bukovina, in the Chernivtsi region.
The boys enjoyed sports, hiking, and educational activities with a full Jewish experience. The children went to a ropes park, rode all terrain vehicles (ATVs), and took excursions to the scenic corners of Bukovina. One of the most memorable events was a jeep trip to the Carpathian Mountains, to a spring known as the “Mikvah of the Baal Shem Tov,” where the boys heard stories about the Baal Shem Tov, including his interactions with the legendary Ukrainian rebel Oleksa Dovbush.
The participants also enjoyed a tour of Chernivtsi, home to one of Ukraine’s most famous Jewish communities, where they explored the city’s rich Jewish heritage-- its history, and its landmarks.
One of the campers reflected on the experience: “What stayed with us most, were not the entertainment activities, but the Friday night farbrengens. After the Shabbos meal, filled with songs and delicious food, the counselors would gather with us for a long farbrengen—a meaningful conversation that lasted late into the night and gave each of us special strength to overcome challenges, fears, and anxieties that have accompanied Ukrainian Jews for years.”
We also hosted a large group of girls at a two-week YEKA camp in Tyudiv, in the Carpathian Mountains. The girls enjoyed a variety of fun and educational experiences focused on Jewish learning, friendship, creativity and adventure, centered on the theme, “Always Connected.” Like the boys, they were treated to a full schedule of activities including rafting on Carpathian rivers, jeep excursions into the mountains, a Color Run and a Foam Party. In addition, the girls participated in a talent show, baking workshops, swimming, sports, music and dancing; the days were filled with enthusiasm and laughter.
Through crafts, games, scrapbooking, journaling, and group conversations, the girls reflected on how their connections to one another can remain strong even after they return to their homes in cities across the country.
“One of the camp’s most meaningful moments came when 10 girls received their Jewish names for the first time,” said camp director Menucha Beila Hanoka. “Their new names soon became part of everyday camp life, as the girls proudly introduced themselves by them and heard counselors and friends use them with affection.”
“Our camp goes far beyond providing a positive summer experience,” Hanoka added. “Our dedicated counselors, who volunteer from around the world and raise funds to help make the camp possible, work to ensure that every girl feels uplifted and motivated, gains self-confidence, develops a positive outlook on life and finds the strength to become the wonderful person she truly is.”
That growth was visible throughout camp. Girls who had previously been hesitant to participate began leading songs, joining prayers, assisting younger campers and expressing their Jewish identity with growing pride.
“YEKA doesn’t feel like camp. It feels like family,” campers said. For children whose lives have been shaped by uncertainty and disruption, the sense of stability and belonging is particularly important.
It is an honor and privilege to support camps for Ukrainian youth this summer. Together we save lives and restore hope.
