All year long Henrik Z., 32, who has Down’s syndrome and lives with his pensioner mother in Budapest, Hungary, looks forward to the most special week of his summer. That’s when he goes to camp Szarvas, where he sees his friends, plays soccer, and celebrates Shabbat with the community he feels closest to.
Eric, 26, echoes the frustration of his generation as they confront an uncertain future in their native Greece and neighboring euro zone countries. “Our economic and political situation is really difficult. People are struggling and they are angry,” he said. “My parents have been hit hard and now I need to help support my family, which puts a completely new pressure and perspective on what I can do next.”
A life-changing first trip to Israel inspired Anna to get involved with her Jewish community in Poland. Read how she and other dedicated volunteers teamed up with JDC to bring hundreds of Jews together for a record-breaking Limmud learning fest.
This summer, hundreds of kids are celebrating Jewish traditions and making new friends at JDC-supported camps in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Find out how Olameinu camp director Irina O. will make their experience unforgettable.
“I’ve participated in Gesher four years in a row because it provides an unparalleled opportunity to bond and connect with international peers in a Jewish context,” shared Olivera J., a 25-year-old medical student from Macedonia, after participating in the annual JDC-supported leadership development event for Jewish young adults from the Balkan-Black Sea region last month in Serbia.