Tel Aviv 100th Anniversary Celebration
Jenny R. (Mishlahat): We really want to bring Israel to camp and this year our focus is Tel Aviv. We actually organize activities for the different aidot, evening activities and things like that. We also post weekly riddles and have weekly dialogues between American and Israeli staff and campers. Each Mishlachat member has [his/her] own story. The people here are really talented and have studied madah (science) or have been volunteering, or have done special things in the army.
Today we are having a big Tel Aviv festival. We have organized a live museum of Tel Aviv culture here. My job is to play Zina Dizengoff, who was the wife of the first mayor of Tel Aviv. We are going to perform a skit and then hand out information to campers about the history of Tel Aviv. We also organized a Tel Aviv coffee shop where you have Israeli music and Israeli coffee. In another room, you have different presentations that include pictures of my personal experiences in Tel Aviv. What's special is that the Mishlachat bring new stuff from Israel-you don't have pictures of Tel Aviv as it was in the 70's, you have pictures of Tel Aviv as it is now.
Alex K. (Nivonim): Today we are running around the garbage trail to celebrate the 100th birthday of Tel Aviv. We are also collecting donations for a tzedakah (charity) in Tel Aviv, which is for teens who are homeless or don't have a place to go during the day. It's really exciting that we have so many people who are running. It's a lot of fun and everyone is having a great time.
Sam S. (Shoafim): [The run] was challenging, but it was really fun. It was worth it.
Adam B. (JC, Halutzim): This program is fantastic because it calls special attention to Israel in a fun and interesting way. I feel really Israeli!
Lauren H. (Waterfront): This program is so awesome because the Mishlahat is really bringing Israel to Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, and allowing the campers who have not been to Israel experience Israel in a unique way, while still being in the safe environment of camp.
After visitors left, the campers changed into their blue and white apparel and headed off to "Nachalat Binyamin," the famous and culturally unique marketplace in Tel Aviv. The night concluded with singing and a dance performance by Nivonim, followed by the singing of Hatikvah, the Israeli national anthem. The day's festivities were fun and refreshing and the celebration is to continue all summer.