What Camp Means To Me

Hi, my name is Adi Yovel, and I was the head of the Israeli Mishlachat for Summer 2024. This summer I had the privilege to return to camp as a Chalutzim counselor for my campers from Summer 2023.

This year was very different for me as an Israeli at camp, but in all its challenges, this summer meant more to me than the one beforehand. Two weeks into camp, I started to feel weird, like something didn’t feel the same, and then it hit me: For the first time since October 7th, I felt safe. For the first time in 9 months, I wasn’t anxious 24/7 waiting for the next rocket, the next explosion, the next bad news.

Camp for me as an Israeli was a place of safety, a place where I felt heard and understood in a world full of people wishing for my doom. A place where people care for me, for my family, and for my country.
Every time I get a text checking on my and my family’s well-being, I remember how amazing this community is.

I am so grateful for my amazing friends, co-counselors, and my campers that I’ve met at Jacobs Camp

Thank you for being a place and community that I can call home.