The summer session of the “Gan Israel Yeka Summer-86” camp gave Jewish boys from Dnipro an unforgettable vacation filled with active recreation, spiritual growth, new knowledge, and an atmosphere of true Jewish unity. Approximately fifty children from the Jewish Community of Dnipro became part of a large international camp held in Bukovina, Chernivtsi region, bringing together 130 participants from various regions of Ukraine, as well as Lithuania, France, Israel, and other countries.
The “Gan Israel Yeka Summer-86” camp was made possible through the support of Jewish Relief Network Ukraine and other benefactors. The camp was led by Rabbi Levi Berger and Rabbi Mendel Goodman, with project organization provided by Yasha Lerner, Motl Kleinman, and Chaim Kremer. The group from the Jewish Community of Dnipro was accompanied by Rabbi David Vaskovsky and his wife Liora, who also served as camp administrators, helping to ensure a high level of organization and creating a warm, caring, and safe atmosphere for the children.
Throughout the session, the boys enjoyed a rich program that combined sports, hiking, and educational activities with a full Jewish experience. The children went on hikes, visited a rope park, rode ATVs, and regularly took excursions to the scenic corners of Bukovina and the Carpathians. One of the most memorable events was a jeep trip to the Carpathians, to a spring known as the “Mikvah of the Baal Shem Tov,” where participants learned stories about the great tzaddik and founder of Chassidus, the Baal Shem Tov, as well as his interactions with the legendary Ukrainian rebel Oleksa Dovbush.
The participants were greatly impressed by a tour of Chernivtsi, organized with the assistance of the Chief Rabbi of Bukovina, Menachem Mendel Glitsenshtein. The boys explored the rich Jewish heritage of the city, its history, and its landmarks, discovering much about the life of one of Ukraine’s most famous Jewish communities.
A special place in the camp program was held by activities related to the Shabbos Queen, especially Kabbalas Shabbos, which created an atmosphere of unhurried yet profound connection, mutual trust, and spiritual unity. These moments left such a deep impression that in their feedback letter after the camp, the children from Dnipro wrote:
“But what stayed with us most were not the entertainment activities, but the Friday night farbrengens. After the inspiring Shabbos meal, filled with camp songs and delicious food, the counselors would gather with us for a long farbrengen—a heartfelt conversation that lasted late into the night and gave each of us special strength to overcome challenges, fears, and anxieties that have accompanied Ukrainian Jews for years now.”
It is important to note that “Gan Israel Yeka” is not just a summer camp for Jewish boys, but an entire educational system—throughout the year, the counselors maintain constant contact with the participants, regularly communicate with them, conduct weekly phone calls, wish them well on Jewish holidays, and send memorable gifts. Thanks to this, as well as several camp sessions held throughout the year, a unique community of Jewish teenagers is formed around the project, united by friendship, shared values, and an unbreakable connection to Jewish tradition.
“For our boys, these were truly joyful weeks, filled with rest, new discoveries, friendship, spiritual growth, and vivid impressions that will stay with them for a long time,” said Rabbi David Vaskovsky. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this wonderful camp possible and gave the children such an inspiring session. This camp is inextricably linked to Dnipro—even its name, Yeka, comes from the Chassidic pronunciation of ‘Katerynoslav,’ the city where the childhood and youth of the leader of our generation, the Seventh Lubavitcher Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, were spent, and where his father, the tzaddik Rabbi Levi Yitzchak, served as chief rabbi. And where today, children—including those who participate in ‘Yeka Summer’—have the opportunity to live a full Jewish life thanks to the activities, attention, and care of the united and cohesive Jewish Community of Dnipro under the leadership of Chief Rabbi Shmuel Kaminezki.”
