New Faces from Israel Bring Global Roots to Camp By The Sea
Camp By The Sea welcomed three special additions to its staff this June. Israeli counselors have traveled from across the globe to bring Israeli culture, language, music and traditions to campers in Margate.
Daria Maythar, 22; Roni Ben Ami, 21; and Chen Crispin, 21, arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport through the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Summer Shlichim program, a global initiative that places young Israeli leaders in Jewish communities around the world. Each year, thousands of Israelis apply to be part of the program, but only a select group are chosen and trained to serve as cultural emissaries.
Their mission is simple but meaningful: to build personal, lasting connections between young American Jews and the people and culture of Israel.
“It’s always a powerful moment when the Shlichim arrive,” said Brian Adler, Associate Executive Director at the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC. “They bring this amazing energy and help campers experience Israel in a way that feels personal and alive.”
Maythar, a classically trained cellist, will serve as Camp By The Sea’s music specialist through the MusicIN Program, part of a broader initiative to deepen Jewish identity through Israeli arts and culture. The MusicIN Program has been funded by a grant from the JCCA Mithabrim Program and the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs. Ben Ami and Crispin will lead interactive cultural activities including storytelling, Hebrew games and visual arts workshops. All three counselors have experience working with youth and are eager to engage with campers throughout the summer.
The Jewish Agency’s Shlichim program places more than 1,500 emissaries annually in summer camps, synagogues, schools and JCCs across the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe and beyond. The emissaries go through extensive training before departure and are among Israel’s brightest and most promising young leaders.
In Margate, the program extends beyond camp. Local families volunteer to host the Israeli counselors during their stay, often forming lasting bonds that continue long after the final day of summer. “Hosting a shaliach was a transformative experience for our whole family,” said one local parent. “We gained a deeper understanding of Israeli life, and it made the summer incredibly special for our kids.”
Camp By The Sea, a department of the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC, continues through August and serves hundreds of children from across Atlantic and Cape May counties and around the country. With the arrival of its Israeli counselors, the camp continues its tradition of creating enriching summer experiences grounded in Jewish values, culture and community. The Camp By the Sea Shlichim Program receives funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties.
For more information about the Shlichim program or to learn how to become a host family in future summers, contact Brian Adler at (609) 822-1167, ext. 159.
Shlichim are emissaries from Israel who have completed their mandatory military service and choose to serve in Jewish agencies around the world. These carefully selected ambassadors bring the spirit and culture of Israel to life in our camp program.
Shlichim Counselors are always excited to bring their unique perspectives and enthusiasm to enhance our campers’ experience. They will be sharing their stories, traditions, and the vibrant culture of Israel, creating memorable and enriching experiences for everyone.
Our Shlichim are hosted by families in our community for periods of one to two weeks throughout the summer. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to engage in a culturally enriching experience and forge lasting connections.
We are still seeking families interested in this culturally enriching experience in 2025.
If you are interested in hosting or know of a family that would like to experience hosting one or both counselors, please contact Brian Adler at 609-822-1167 x159 or email badler@jccatlantic.org.