For Ella, 19, from a small Moshav in Southern Israel called Ein Yahav, the opportunity to come to the US to be a Jewish Agency Summer Camp Shlichah (Israeli emissary) came as a surprise. But when she learned The Jewish Agency was looking for passionate Israelis to send to the US to work at summer camps, she was excited by the prospect. So Ella applied and was chosen to participate, arriving at a Jewish overnight camp in Georgia on May 25 to serve as a music specialist for the summer.
“I wanted to be a Shlichah first and foremost to work with the kids. I’ve been a counselor for a couple of years back at home and my job nowadays is as a substitute teacher. I know the power kids have in shaping society and wanted to be an influential person for them,” shared Ella. “Not just a music specialist but rather someone to talk to, to answer any question. Kids are incredibly intelligent and I’ve had many meaningful and heartfelt conversations with them in camp.”
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.
Ella’s daily activities include rehearsing for the weekly performances, preparing for Shabbat services with the kids, assisting in the talent show that the camp has once a month, and other music-related activities during the day for all the kids such as Karaoke, trivia, playing instruments, and more.
“Music has always been a huge part of my life and now came the chance for me to show it. To perform familiar, loved songs in front of the kids, and to work with them, getting to know the music that they love and want to play or sing along to, has been so meaningful,” Ella added. “My time at camp has made me feel so impactful and productive, and I’m making every day count.”
As a first-time camp Shlichah, Ella was unsure of what to expect but soon felt embraced by the small, warm community with a welcoming atmosphere and supportive staff. And the training The Jewish Agency provided to all Shlichim – from running through possible scenarios with the kids to potential daily schedules to setting expectations – before their arrival helped too.
“At camp, the other Shlichim and I do our best to answer all of the kids’ questions, remembering our trainings about safe and healthy boundaries,” explained Ella. “It made me understand why Shlichim are so important. And October 7th made me want to go to camp even more; I wanted to discover how people view it outside of Israel, I wanted to understand how we are perceived here as people. We are impacting the way the kids view Israel, and there’s a real opportunity here to show them what Israel is all about; unity, kindness, communication and peace.”
When Ella returns to Israel, she will go back to Kfar Saba, where she has lived since age 18, and resume her studies at The Open University. She is looking forward to keeping in touch with all her new friends and knows the wonderful memories she is making at camp will stay with her forever.
