This article was also published in the Charlotte Jewish News.

The Role of Jewish Summer Camp in a Post-October 7 World

Authors: Francine Safdeye, Camper Experience Director and Joseph Zeuner, Associate Director

Jewish summer camps have long been a cornerstone of identity formation, instilling values, traditions, and a love for Israel and Judaism in young generations. After October 7th, the role expanded beyond education. Camps became vital healing spaces, offering support to Israelis, college students, and young participants grappling with uncertainty and fear.

“For many, Camp Judaea feels like a parallel reality. CJ is a warm and supportive space where Israeli staff came to find comfort after October 7th,” says Soly Feinstein, an Art Therapist and member of the Kehilah Care Team, which provides emotional and mental support to staff and campers. “My role was to help them navigate a new environment while carrying the weight of being far from home, after a very difficult year and as loved ones continued to serve. I was there to provide steady support and to help them build meaningful connections essential to their well-being and success.”

According to Feinstein, the importance of this space became even more profound in the wake of October 7th and the challenging months that followed. All of a sudden, Camp Judaea’s mission to celebrate Israel and foster a deep, personal connection to the Jewish homeland took on new meaning as campers, staff, and Israeli Shlichim (emissaries) sought comfort, community, and strength.

With antisemitism on the rise and Jewish communities around the world facing ongoing threats and uncertainty, Camp Judaea provides a haven where campers and staff can embrace their Jewish identity unapologetically.

In the summer of 2024, Camp Judaea became a place where discussions about Israel were not abstract; they were personal. Our Israeli staff arrived carrying the weight of their nation’s trauma, yet they found solace in our welcoming environment. Campers, many of whom were processing their own emotions about the crisis, found strength in learning about Israel not just as a distant homeland but as a lived experience through personal relationships and immersive education.

Israel education at Camp Judaea is immersive, engaging, and deeply personal. Our goal at CJ is for campers to build a meaningful connection to Israel through experiential learning. We teach Israel’s history, culture, and geography in ways that feel relevant and exciting, from interactive lessons on Israeli innovations to creative activities exploring the country’s diversity.

Beyond knowledge, we focus on fostering an emotional bond with Israel. Campers experience Israeli music, Rikkud (dance), and traditions daily, from starting our day singing Hatikvah to celebrating Israel in daily and special programming. A core part of our approach is relational learning, where campers build personal connections with Israeli staff, hearing first hand stories and perspectives. Through a combination of cultural immersion, experiential education, and meaningful relationships, campers leave CJ with a lasting love for Israel that extends beyond their time at camp.

As our communities navigate a post-October 7 reality, the role of Jewish summer camps in fostering a deep connection to Israel and Jewish peoplehood is more crucial than ever. At Camp Judaea, Israel education isn’t just about facts. It is about feelings, relationships, and culture. Now more than ever, CJ remains a beacon of resilience, ensuring the next generation stays deeply connected to their heritage, their people, and the land of Israel. By fostering these deep connections, Camp Judaea empowers our youth to carry forward a strong and meaningful relationship with Israel, strengthening our community for generations to come. As we look ahead, we invite families to be part of this experience—where campers not only learn about Israel but live it. Registration is open, and we invite you to reach out and learn how your children can be a part of a meaningful and transformative experience at Camp Judaea. For more information reach out to Francine Safdeye at francine@campjudaea.org.