Yom Israel!

             Today was Yom Israel, a special day at camp dedicated to anything and everything Israel-related! After being woken up by the sounds of beeping horns, the chanichim headed to breakfast where we indulged in some delicious shakshouka! Following the meal, chanichim split up into shkavot to create different aspects of “the new land of Israel”. The amelim created a national symbol for Israel, the chotrim made a big Israeli flag, the sayarim recreated Israeli currency, the tzophim helped establish a language for Israel, the bonim created an Israeli constitution and the bogrim arranged a national anthem.

The chanichim dressed their best in blue and white attire

After raising the Israeli flag created by the chanichim, we ran carnival-style stations about different themes relating to Israel. Some of these stations included “the shuk life”, where chanichim bargained for candy, and “passport control”, where they made their own passports!

After the carnival, we became a bit more serious as we split up to discuss subjects like Ethiopian Jews, the IDF and asylum seekers and refugees.

For lunch, we set up shuk-like falafel stands and had a relaxing meal in Hyde Park. From there, we set out to learn more about the different cities of Israel through a round-robin. Groups attended 6 stations, highlighting Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, the Negev, Tzvat and Kibbutzim.

The falafel lunch was a hit!

For kibbud, or snack, the chanichim enjoyed some fresh rugelach, which was followed by a Maccabi vs. Hapoal soccer game! Regardless of whether the chanichim played in the game or watched and cheered, everyone had a really great time!

Team Hapoal shows their spirit

The game ended in a 3-3 tie!

We ended the day with each shikvah choreographing and performing a dance to an Israeli song!