New Faces from Israel Bring Global Roots to Camp By The Sea
For many campers at Camp By The Sea, summer is about friendships, beach days, sports, and traditions. This year, it will also be another opportunity to connect personally with Israel through two new Shlichim arriving from Israel.
Dekel, 25, from Kiryat Shmona (a city in northern Israel), and Yuval from Holon (near Tel Aviv), will spend the summer working in Camp By The Sea’s Israeli Culture department, bringing Israeli traditions, stories, music, and everyday life to campers and staff.
The counselors are part of the Summer Shlichim program through The Jewish Agency for Israel, which places young Israeli leaders in Jewish camps and communities throughout North America each summer. The program is designed to create meaningful personal connections between Israeli and North American Jewish communities. This program receives local funding from the Jewish Community Foundation of Atlantic & Cape May Counties.
For Dekel, the experience is deeply personal. Dekel moved to Haifa to begin her university studies and then served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a combat medic. “Essentially, I was the sole medical authority in my company, responsible for the health and wellbeing of all the soldiers, and every medical issue went through me,” she said.
This will be her first time visiting New Jersey and is eager to experience everyday American life, build relationships, and become part of the community for the summer. This summer, she hopes to help campers better understand the realities of life in Israel beyond headlines and social media. “My goal is to give both the campers and the staff a real sense of what Israel is, what it feels like to grow up here, our main traditions, the holidays we celebrate, and what Israel looks like from an Israeli perspective,” Dekel added.
Dekel said her previous experiences with Jewish communities abroad inspired her to become a shlicha.
“It’s very important to me to have an impact on Jewish communities around the world,” he said. “I know how much these communities support Israel in many ways, and I also want to share my personal perspective. I truly believe there’s nothing more meaningful than influencing the next generation” he also noted.
Yuval served as an officer in the IDF’s Search and Rescue Brigade, where she learned leadership, communication, and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
Like Dekel, she said working with children and building connections motivated her to join the program. “It’s very important to me to share Israeli culture and bring a piece of Israel to Jewish communities around the world” she said.
“I wanted to become a shlicha because I love connecting with people and sharing Israeli culture,” she said. “I also really enjoy working with children. I’m the oldest sister in my family and I’ve guided groups in youth movements for many years.”
She hopes to bring “positivity, openness, and create a warm and fun environment for everyone.”
When asked to describe Israel in one word, her answer was simple: “Home.” “Israel feels like home because it represents a deep sense of belonging, identity, and connection,” she said. “It is not just a country, but a feeling of safety, familiarity, and community.”
Both counselors also spoke warmly about their early interactions with Camp By The Sea and the staff at the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC.
Dekel admitted she originally preferred working at a sleepaway camp, but changed her mind after speaking with Brian Adler, Associate Executive Director at the JCC.
“My first impression of Brian was that I’m in good hands,” he said. “From the very first moment, I could tell he has a kind and caring nature, and that he will make sure I feel comfortable and supported throughout the summer.”
Yuval added, “In my first conversation with Brian, he immediately made me feel at home,” “Overall, my first impression of Brian and the JCC team is extremely positive. It genuinely feels like an amazing, thoughtful, and supportive team that is fully invested in making sure I have the best possible experience and that I can create a meaningful impact.”
This summer, campers will not only learn about Israel through activities and traditions, but through relationships with two young Israelis eager to share their stories, experiences, and sense of home.
Camp By The Sea, a department of the Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC, serves children throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties and emphasizes Jewish identity, culture, and community throughout its summer programming.
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.
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.