Partnership2Gether teens teach about Israel at Camp JCC

They came to the Lehigh Valley from Israel to see how life is different in the United States. And to teach the kids at Camp JCC about their homeland. And to experience New York City. The four 16-year-olds from the valley’s Partnership2Gether sister region in Yoav arrived at the end of June.

“I am interested in everything considered ‘classic American,’ such as Starbucks, KFC, etc.,” said Shira Morag, who loves watching and making films. “I am super excited to go to New York, because I have always wondered if it’s like what I see in movies.”

Morag, Noa Li Or Kafri, Zohar Menashe and Ori Shosan reported to camp right away and will remain in the valley through mid-August 13. They’ll be working under the guidance of Shani Kalmanovich, who came to Allentown from Israel for the first time six years ago.

Kalmanovich got to know the area and the people when she served as the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley’s community shlicha, spreading the word about Israel, its people and its culture. Having served in the Israel Defense Force teaching Hebrew to soldiers from different countries, she brought with her at the start some of the broad outlook that the 16-year-olds are looking to develop now. “I feel a strong connection to the world of the Jewish Diaspora,” she said.

Kibbutz Galon, said she wants to focus on giving the camp kids her personal take on Israel. “Talking to them about my home, the good and also the challenges, and seeing them interested to learn even more about Israel is always a joy,” she said. Kafri loves scifi and fantasy books. “I read far too much for a normal jewelry in her free time. She came here to see what life was like in the United States. “I think it’s a huge experience said, “and I am the youngest child at home, so coming to the U.S. for me for a month and a half was challenging.” Now that she’s here, she wants to focus on forming relationships, speaking English and teaching games. novel to the kids she’s working with. “My main focus is to introduce the campers to something that they don’t know all about, to show them that we Israelis live in an amazing country, small but full of interesting stories and cultures, and to see what they know and what they think about Israel.”

Shani can understand many of the hopes and experiences of the four girls. “Coming to the US is always a bit of a culture shock,” she said.

Morag has lived in Kibbutz Gat since age 4. “I know plenty who came here to work at camp years before me,” she said, “and they told me that it’s an experience I don't want to miss.” That’s despite the difficulties inherent in making such a big commitment. “I have two older brothers,” she

Harif along with two younger siblings and a puppy. She’s here to find out firsthand the differences between Israeli and American Jews. “Another thing that made me come is the experience, to be far from home, to get out of my comfort zone,” she said. In turn, she wants to bring something

“Everything is so different, especially for Israelis who live in the Jewish state where almost everything around you is Jewish. Here we get to know what it means to be Jewish in the Diaspora, and how much effort it takes.

“I think that it is inspiring to see what the Jewish community here does to keep the connection with Israel, and I am happy to be part of this.” achem. She has two younger brothers back home, along with a cat and dog. She plays sports and guitar and makes