In honor of Israeli Independence Day, we’re looking back at all the ways we celebrate Israel in a year at GFC – whether through travel, the friendships we make at camp, or through year-long engagement, Israel is an important part of Greene Family Camp all year long.
We celebrate Israel through…
Our relationships with our Mishlachat (Israeli staff)
Every summer, we are lucky enough to have over forty Israelis join us at Greene Family Camp. From planning Israel Day, teaching us Hebrew words through Hebrew Man skits, or just day-to-day interactions in the bunk, these teachers, friends and mentors are some of the best examples of what this amazing country offers.
Our Summer Israel trip, Garin Greene
No better way to experience Israel than to visit it first hand for a whole summer! Our Garin Greene trip to Israel allows our eleventh grade campers the chance to get to know Israel in this unique travel experience. Last year’s teens came back inspired with all the new information they gained, and many of them will be in participants in our Avodah program this summer, ready to impart their Israeli knowledge to their campers.
Many of our teens attending URJ Heller High (formerly EIE)
For those teens looking for our more immersive Israel experience, we are proud to have teens attending the Isaac and Helaine Heller High School in Israel EIE, URJ Heller High. Teens spend a semester in Israel learning Hebrew, traveling around the country, and enjoying a longer Jewish immersive experience. We use their knowledge and experience at NFTY events and during the summer. A few of our Israeli summer staff are also year-round EIE counselors.
Annual Kesher Birthright trips with our Staff and Alumni
One of our favorite ways to stay engaged with our college-aged staff and alumni is through our Kesher Birthright trip, usually held in the winter. This year, approximately 15 GFC staff and alums traveled to Israel for 11 days, and saw everything from Eilat to the Golan Heights. Our participants usually return re-energized about the State of Israel, and many come back to camp to teach what they learned to their campers, and continue learning more from our Israeli staff.
On Our College Campuses
Many of our staff are actively involved in Israel education on their college campuses. Many of our alums were on the planning committee for Israeli Block Parties at schools around the state, and bring the knowledge they’ve gained from camp, Garin Greene, EIE and Birthright into their schools. We are proud of the dialogue they have helped to start on their campuses!