By Yael Zohar
Twenty-three years ago, I had the summer of a lifetime. At 16, I had the privilege of joining the delegation to Tamarack Camps as a camper in the CIT program. I still remember the warm, loving Jewish community that welcomed me and the other Israeli campers with open arms; the delicious meals in the dining hall; the flag-raising ceremonies every morning outside the chadar ohel with the anthems of both the U.S. and Israel; water activities on the lake; movie nights with huge tubs of ice cream (even today, we don’t have anything that size in Israel!); Shabbat services; the off-camp trips; a visit to an amusement park in Cleveland—and so many more unforgettable moments.
The years went by, but I always kept a warm spot in my heart for the Jewish community of Michigan. And this summer, I’m filled with pride and emotion as my eldest son, Eitan Zohar, came to Tamarack as part of the Elaine and Michael Serling Israeli Camper Program (ICP) delegation. Who would have believed that so quickly, we’d already reach the second generation at campers?
After 23 years, I’m thrilled and proud to once again be part of the most incredible Jewish community in the U.S. I know that my son is having the summer of his life—an experience that will strengthen his understanding that we, Jews from Israel and Jews from America, are truly one big family.
A huge thank you to the amazing and talented staff at our Partnership2Gether office, at the Jewish Federation of Detroit and at camp—for giving so wholeheartedly, and building strong foundations and connections that will last for generations to come.