More than 1,200 Israeli young adults will arrive in North America over the next few weeks to serve as Jewish Agency emissaries at camps throughout the continent.
The number of summer shlichim (emissaries) in North America is up by more than 150 from last year. They will work at more than 200 day- and overnight camps in 150 communities in 35 states and provinces, including large delegations at camps serving the Bay Area, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Atlanta Jewish communities.
Summer shlichim are experienced Israeli youth leaders who have served in the Israel Defense Forces. At camp, they work as counselors and instructors, and help educate North American youth about modern Israeli culture. Conversely, the Israelis learn about Jewish life and values in North America.
More than 150 day camp shlichim will each live with an average of three host families over the course of the summer. The families were chosen from a pool of more than 500 that volunteered to serve as hosts, according to Ariella Feldman, the Jewish Agency’s director for North America Shlichim Initiatives.