Bringing heritage to summer camp
Posted at h in Bnei Menashe, Bnei Menashe Videos, Bnei Menashe: Personal Stories, Features, Lectures and Events, Ma'ani Center, Programs
Summer camps are a place for kids to explore and have fun with their peers. OU Israel’s Camp Dror is no exception. This popular camp in the Golan Heights provides nearly three weeks of fun to over 200 kids every year. The activities are not without educational components and this year they added a multimedia program about the Bnei Menashe to their intensive schedule.
As part of our Ma’ani Center programming to preserve, promote and disseminate the unique heritage and culture of the various communities we work with, our own Laura Ben-David made the 3+ hour drive to the Golan to make a presentation about the Bnei Menashe. It wasn’t lost on anyone that the Golan Heights was, in fact, part of the territory that was given to the tribe of Menashe upon the conquering of Israel back in the time of Joshua.
After a long, hot day of outdoor activities, the entire Camp Dror Boys’ division – over 110 kids – managed to assemble quietly in the study hall. The campers, ages 9 to 17, received an overview of the history, culture, traditions, aliyah and absorption to Israel of the Bnei Menashe. The program included many beautiful photos of the Bnei Menashe, both in India and in Israel. The campers were fascinated and asked many questions, truly eager to learn what they could.
Amazing kids, amazing program!!
