*A summer like no other at Camp Yeka Ukraine.*

From well before the war, Yeka was a unique camp, bringing together Jewish children from all over the country, many of whom were from orphanages or challenging home situation. At Yeka, they would experience not only the fun of games and trips but also the feeling of a family-like community, and counselors whose dedication and love far surpassed anything they had ever experienced at school or other camps.

In the very first days of the war, campers called their beloved counselors with everything from needing help evacuating, financial support, and just someone to talk to about the bewildering and frightening situation. Many of these counselors hopped on flights to meet their campers all over Europe and Israel.

After the initial weeks of the war, campers and counselors alike wondered how the summer would play out. Would there be camp? And where? Somewhere in Europe? What about all the Ukrainian children in Israel?

The answer was a resounding “yes” – in both Hungary and Haifa, Israel. It was also the summer I personally joined as a counselor, not quite prepared for what was to come, but ready to give it my all.

The next winter vacation, Yeka returned to Ukraine, providing a week-long winter camp. Through the power outages and air raid sirens, the campers enjoyed an extraordinary camp they will never forget.

Over the next two years, campers returned, new ones joined, reuniting with old friends and making new ones. They learnt about their heritage, and deepened their connection to Judaism, while keeping each other strong through the difficult times.

Came this past summer, I had the privilege to participate once more. Although my role in camp was focused on dealing with logistics and administration, I couldn’t help but spend many hours each day engaging with the children – the very reason I was there.

The stories can go on forever, but I’d just like to share some of the most meaningful moments for me. The returning campers running to embrace their old counselors and friends, the children who joined for the first time and experienced community like they never previously had, the children who came to camp knowing close to nothing about their faith, some of whom come from places with minimal Jewish infrastructure.

The six boys who celebrated their Bar Mitzvah’s in camp, as they previously hadn’t been able to. The three incredibly brave teenagers who made the decision to fulfill the Mitzvah of Brit Milah (circumcision), joining the covenant of their forefather Abraham, doing it right there in camp and celebrating with their Yeka family.

As I reflect on this incredible summer, I’m filled with gratitude. To our beloved campers. To the parents who entrusted us with their children. To the staff whose efforts I simply cannot express in a short line. To our donors who made this camp a reality. To our incredible director, Rabbi Levi Berger, for putting it all together. To the Lubavitcher Rebbe, whose encouragement to reach out to every single Jew is our inspiration. And last but most certainly not least, to God, thank you so very much.