When Maayan from the Kidmat Tzvi moshav in the Golan Heights, first heard about The Jewish Agency’s summer camp Shlichut (Israeli emissary service) program, she was 18. Immediately drawn to the idea, she was unable to apply due to her lack of English skills at the time, and her dyslexia further discouraged her from pursuing the opportunity. But a few years later, her brother served as a camp emissary and had an incredible experience, so she decided it was time to face her learning disability.
“At age 23, I traveled to America without knowing the language and decided to learn English the hard way by physically moving there. Once I learned English, I applied and went on my first Shlichut when I was 25,” shared Maayan. “For me, my desire to be a camp Shlichah (Israeli emissary) was about teaching, learning, creating connections, and integrating into the community. I work with children regularly and wanted to expand my impact.”
Each year, The Jewish Agency, in partnership with Jewish Federations across North America, recruits charismatic and energetic young Israelis to travel abroad as Summer Camp Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) in North America, where they work in Jewish summer camps as counselors, specialists and educators. They participate fully in camp life, sharing Jewish traditions, teaching Israeli and Jewish culture, building connections, and serving as role models for campers and staff. In 2024, ~1,500 Shlichim are working at over 100 camps across North America, playing an even more critical role in bringing Israel to life in the wake of Hamas’s October 7 attacks.
Now 27, Maayan is proud to be serving as a Camp Shlichah in Northern Virginia for her third summer. In her role as a dance instructor, Maayan is using her passion and background to bond with campers.
“I’m responsible for starting the day at camp for all age groups with movement, dance, and lots of energy. I teach them Hebrew words every morning, new dances, and songs from Israel,” explained Maayan. “Camp Shlichim are important because no matter what position we have at camp, we play a significant role in creating and strengthening the relationships between Jewish communities abroad and Israel. I’m also helping to reinforce, support, and shape the Jewish identity of the young campers.”
Maayan’s decision to do Shlichut again this summer was motivated by the horrors of the October 7 attacks. On that day, she was on reserve duty in the Israel Defense Forces as a Command Post Officer in the Southern Command. She also served as an Operations Control Officer. Overall, following October 7, she served for six months.
“I lost several friends who were killed at the Nova Festival, as well as friends I knew from my officer course and from my first Jewish Agency Shlichut and it’s been a real roller coaster of a time for me,” Maayan recounted. “My role as a Shlichah has a stronger meaning than in previous years. Sharing my story and supporting Jews, especially now, is vital! For me, the camp is much more than just a camp. The campers, the staff, my host family and the community have touched my heart. It’s an experience I wished to have again, and now more than ever, I believe in how meaningful and powerful a summer Shlichut can be.”
