From Yad Mordechai to Interlaken: Campers 2Gether in Action
Written by Noa Gerassi, Milwaukee Jewish Federation Shlicha (Embassy)
My very first summer camp experience was 20 years ago, in the summer of 2005. Two decades later, the impact of that summer – and of the seven that followed – remains deeply engraved in my memory and in my identity as a Jewish adult. That’s why I encourage every parent to send their children to camp, and why I was thrilled when The Jewish Agency for Israel launched the Campers2Gether program two years ago in response to the events of October 7.
The program, created in partnership with Jewish camps across North America, brings teens from communities in the Gaza Envelope to Jewish summer camps in the U.S. for two weeks of connection, healing, and joy. During that time, they experience all the hallmarks of camp life – song sessions, lake swims, and friendships that form in an instant – while enjoying a much-need break from their daily reality in Israel.
The summer of 2025 marked the second year that Camp Interlaken JCC hosted a group of teens from Kibbutz Yad Mordechai, through the Communities Together initiative of The Jewish Agency and the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. This summer, 10 ninth-grade campers joined Interlaken for two weeks, accompanied by two counselors and a social worker.
On the final night before departure, Interlaken’s ninth-grade Sha’ar campers and their new friends from Yad Mordechai gathered for a closing circle around the campfire. The staff invited them to share their reflections on the experience:
“I thought it would be hard to connect because we have different interests,” one camper said, “but it was actually really easy. We listened to the same music, played the same games – it helped us bond.”
Another shared,
“It was so special to become friends with everyone. It’s cool that I can say I have friends in Israel now – and that one day, when I visit, I can see them again.”
A Yad Mordechai teen reflected,
“I was surprised by how warmly everyone welcomed us. I thought it would be fun with my friends from the kibbutz, but I never imagined I’d meet so many new ones. I’ll miss you all.”
And finally, one camper summed it up with classic Interlaken humor:
“My name is Isaac, I’m from Milwaukee – and I was surprised by how good the Yad Mordechai kids are at Tushball!”
Those reflections captured what makes camp magical: the way shared experiences – whether it’s praying by the lake at Makom Halev, adding hand motions to Birkat Hamazon, roasting s’mores, or having a heart-to-heart with someone from across the world – create bonds that transcend language and distance.
As the campers said their goodbyes – clinging to one another, asking for just one more moment, one more hug – it was clear that the magic of Interlaken had worked for them too.
Tzipi Altman-Shafer spent a few days at Camp Interlaken visiting the Yad Mordechai teens and shared this reflection:
“At the end of the day, I asked campers what they enjoyed the most. Three things kept coming up: disc golf, the kids they met, and Cheez-Its. Both disc golf and Cheez-Its were new to them – they were already talking about building a disc golf course at Yad Mordechai and taking boxes of Cheez-Its home! They had exchanged contact info with their new friends to stay in touch on social media. It was beautiful to see these relationships develop. When I visit Yad Mordechai in January, I plan to bring Cheez-Its – and I can’t wait to see if the new disc golf course is there.”