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“The internal development that
will take place over the course of the summer, I am
looking forward to finally "giving something back"
to the Jewish community at large. After much discussion,
Orlee, Michael and I have concluded that the majority
of the American counselors chose to participate in Camp
Koby in order to actively display their solidarity with
Israel in a meaningful way. After spending the entire
school year hearing of countless terrorist attacks in
Israel it became clear that our desire to volunteer
would be most appreciated in Israel. No longer content
with merely raising funds for organizations, we decided
to take our responsibility to Israel one step further”.
“I don't know what to feel.
Being a counselor was both uplifting and somewhat disheartening.
While the cheerful aspects definitely outweigh the more
sullen ones, one thing remains evident: They have not
succeeded. Hamas, Fatah, Hizbullah, the Aksa Brigades
and many other terrorist organizations have labored
tirelessly over the last four years trying to remove
every ounce of security and delight from the Israeli
people. After spending the beginning weeks of my summer
at Camp Koby, it is apparent that only have they not
succeeded, they have failed miserably”.
“Before Camp Koby began, I
was not really sure what to expect. We were taught and
prepared to cope with a crying child, or one that perhaps
was too depressed to talk to other people. As a result,
I pictured the camp as one with a sullen atmosphere,
with the counselors prepared to provide support around
the clock. I could not have been more wrong. Camp Koby
is the happiest camp in the world. Chanichim, (Campers)
as well as madrichim (counselors) spend 10 days with
smiles on their faces. There is no better place in the
world.”
“Instead of focusing
on the hardships that come along with what we are doing,
the campers indulge in the positive side of everything.
From our chessed work, we learned how brave these Israeli
children are, continuing to enjoy life and recognizing
all it has to offer, no many how many bad sides of life
they have seen. What is so special about witnessing
the strength these kids have is that we can learn to
do the same. Along with the kids, we learn to appreciate
every daily activity we indulge in, whether it is at
a summer camp in Israel or during our daily life in
the United States. We not only learn how amazing these
kids are, but they also show us how to strive to look
at life the way they do. All in all, the 10 days I spent
at Camp Koby, with the most positive and glowing kids
I have ever met, were the best and most influential
days of my life.”
“I was amazed when my campers,
who had never revealed any sort of religious conviction
until this point, arrived at synagogue with a prayer
book in hand to welcome the Shabbat. They welcomed the
"Shabbat Queen" enthusiastically with their
singing of Lecha Dodi and during the Friday night meal,
I was amazed by the Shabbat atmosphere that the campers
created. They sang Shabbat songs in torn jeans and tank
tops, a sight that is rarely seen in West Orange, New
Jersey. I was truly inspired. My experience at camp
this past Shabbat showed me the extent of Camp Koby's
uniqueness. Here, hundreds of children, in camp together
because they lost a mother, father, sister or brother
to terror, created a genuinely uplifting Shabbat. The
holy presence of Shabbat was tangible, able to be felt
by all in the dining hall. I am devastated that my summer
at Camp Koby is coming to a close, but I have made incredible
memories, such as this memorable Shabbat. I am so thankful
for the opportunity to have such a deep and rewarding
summer.”
“Israel is now a place with
its own unique culture, where five million Jews form
the backbone of a very diverse state. The disengagement
has faces; whether it is the face of the camper who
lives in Gush Katif or the madrich (counselor) who will
carry out orders in less than one week's time. Israeli
teenagers are devoted to giving; whether it is volunteering
at Magen David Adom or at Camp Koby and Yosef. Therapy
now includes yoga, dance, sailing, drama, writing, sports,
horseback riding and dog training. Ra'anana and Efrat
are two loving communities that graciously opened up
their houses for us over Shabbat and sought to discover
what it was that we could teach them. And terror victims
can lead happy lives. They live happy lives.”
“It is difficult to believe
that some time in the near future we will be boarding
the plane to New York. We know that no matter what happens
after this summer, we will be different people because
of it. It is not going to be easy to leave all this
behind after we built such strong connections to the
kids and Israel. On July 4, when we got on the plane
for Israel, we walked into an experience we will always
remember. Now we are walking away with lessons we will
never forget”.
Robin (Rivka) Berger, Summit, New
Jersey USA:
I think it is wonderful that Camp
Koby brings American teenagers over to be of help to
Israeli youngsters who were victims of terrorism and
to learn from them too.
Justin Scheininger, Potomac,
USA:
This camp is absolutely incredible.
It is so important for us to recognize the emotional
impact of terrorism on the people who lost their loved
ones and that we support such healing programs. Check
out this amazing organization's website at www.kobymandell.org
The Hoffman family, Lawrence,
New York, USA:
WAY TO GO!!! You guys are really
performing a true chesed by being counselors at camp
koby. My husband and I have been involved in the organization's
work and it's fundraising - but you guys are really
"on the front scenes" which is truly something
to be proud of.
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