The light of three stars filtered through the cloud-filled skies, signaling the start of Havdallah.
Linked arm-in-arm, teens swayed melodically to the prayers they chanted with their counselors and host families, who came together for a party Aug. 16 in Corte Madera to mark the end of a special three-week session at Camp Tawonga.
The campers were part of the Noar L’Noar (“youth to youth”) program, which brought together Americans and Jewish, Arab and Ethiopian Israelis in an effort to bridge the lives of teens in the Middle East and the United States.
“We didn’t all combine at first,” said Maya Sharabi, 15, of Israel. “Over time, we got to know each other and now we’re all good friends. You’re with the same people in one place for three weeks, you have to respect each other.”
Twenty-six Israelis, who earned scholarships from the San Francisco-based Jewish Community Federation, settled into Camp Tawonga along with local kids who return to the camp annually. Through workshops and activities designed to shatter stereotypes and boost respect, the teens left camp with more knowledge about one another’s cultures — and themselves.
“There are people in America who think we ride camels and live in caves,” said 15-year-old Israeli Imry Zagury. “On CNN, Israel is seen as a war zone, not a cultural, peaceful place. The media only show what’s interesting — bombs and crashed cars.”
Ahan Zubedae, 15, taught fellow campers about Arabs living in Israel, something he said many of the American teens knew nothing about. He explained that all Israelis are not Jewish, and that there are many Muslims living in Israel among the Jews.
To help erase preconceived notions, the camp organized “Israel Day,” which gave the Israeli campers a chance to talk about their respective cultures and answer questions. In turn, the Israelis also learned about American culture and got to take two side-trips to San Francisco with their host families.
Of course, campers had the opportunity to simply be kids — playing sports, taking a backpacking trip to Yosemite National Park and bonding in their cabins were some of the participants’ favorite activities.
Zubedae added that Noar L’Noar was a one-of-a-kind camp experience and recommends it for every teen.
“I have no words,” he said. “It was amazing. All the Israelis made an amazing connection with the American kids. You couldn’t have asked for a better group.”