More Than Just Summer Camp
For more than three decades, Jewish Agency camps have opened the door to Jewish life for children and teens across the FSU.These immersive programs bring Jewish culture and tradition to life through creative activities, outdoor adventures, andmeaningful Shabbat and holiday celebrations.
For many participants, camp marks their first real encounter with Jewish life—a spark that ignites pride, curiosity, and a lifelong connection to the Jewish people and to Israel.
During the 2024–2025 program year, the Jewish Agency operated 51 camps across nine countries, led by dedicated teams of local and Israeli counselors—many of them alumni themselves. Even amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, these counselors found creative ways to blend fun, learning, and Jewish values in safe, supportive environments.
Shabbat and holiday moments remained the heart of camp life—often providing children with their first chance to light candles, sing Hebrew songs, and feel the warmth of a global Jewish family.
By the Numbers: 2024–2025 Camp Season
- Ukraine:2 summer and 3 student camps (331 participants)
- Belarus: 3 summer and 1 student camp (242 participants)
- Russia: 14 summer and 12 student camps (826 participants)
- Moldova: 3 summer, 1 seasonal, and 2 student camps (278 participants)
- Uzbekistan: 1 summer camp (102 participants)
- Kazakhstan: 1 summer and 1 student camp (85 participants)
- Georgia: 1 student camp (12 participants)
- Azerbaijan: 1 summer and 1 student camp (77 participants)
- Poland: 2 summer and 2 student camps (108 participants)
Spotlight: Jewish Resilience in Ukraine
In 2024–2025, Jewish Agency camps in Ukraine provided a haven of warmth and normalcy for children living through the realities of war.
Two summer sessions in Western Ukraine brought together nearly 300 campers for a week of team building, Jewish learning, and joyful celebration. Campers explored Jewish history, built “Jewish homes” from imagination, and learned about Israel through interactive activities—all culminating in festive Shabbat gatherings filled with song and connection.
“At this camp, I learned so many new things,” shared Dasha Kashitsina, 13, from Fastiv, Ukraine. “We celebrated Shabbat together as one big family. These camps give us the chance to learn about our history and develop as people. Thank you for making this possible.”
Dasha Kashitsina
Even amid air raid sirens and uncertainty, camp offered something extraordinary: a space where Jewish children could feel safe, supported, and proud of who they are.
Spotlight: Jewish Discovery in Belarus
Three summer camps in Belarus brought together nearly 230 children, teens, and young adults for a season of Jewish discovery.
Younger campers embarked on an imaginative journey through a “magical kingdom,” learning about Jewish values through games and storytelling. Teens explored what it means to be Jewish today through art and dialogue, while young adults participated in a heritage expedition—visiting historic Jewish sites and volunteering to preserve cemeteries and memorials.
“Before I first came to camp, I only knew I had Jewish roots,” said Elizaveta Afanasyeva, 16, from Zhlobin, Belarus. “Now Judaism is an inseparable part of my life. For me, The Jewish Agency is family, home, and the people I feel closest to in the world.”
Elizaveta Afanasyeva
A Partnership That Changes Lives
MJF’s generous gift of $109,453 during the 2024–2025 program year helped thousands of children and teens connect to their Jewish roots through joyful, meaningful camp experiences.
Despite the challenges of war and instability in the region, Jewish Agency camps remained safe, welcoming spaces filled with learning, friendship, and Jewish pride.
Many former campers even returned as counselors and mentors—passing on the values of identity, belonging, and community to the next generation.
Thanks to the Minneapolis Jewish Federation’s partnership, Jewish Agency camps across the Former Soviet Union continue to serve as a vital gateway to Jewish life—nurturing identity, leadership, and connection for thousands of young Jews each year.
Even in uncertain times, your support ensures these camps remain beacons of joy, safety, and belonging, strengthening Jewish communities across the region and connecting them to the global Jewish family.
Together, we’re shaping a stronger Jewish future—one camper at a time.
