Once again, Camp Ben Frankel is asking the St. Louis Jewish community for its help.
Last summer, the camp launched an emergency fundraising campaign to try to bring up to 17 Israeli children affected by the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas to camp. All of these youngsters were either displaced from their homes due to the ensuing war or live on the Lebanon border. In the end, 18 Israeli campers wound up attending Camp Ben Frankel, a Jewish sleepaway camp located in Makanda, Ill., about two hours south of St. Louis.
This year, all 18 of these campers reapplied to return to the camp as soon as it opens enrollment.
“The American and Israeli campers built such strong friendships that they’ve remained in close — nearly daily– contact ever since,” said Aaron Hadley, executive director or Camp Ben Frankel and the Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky. Hadley added that through the strength of those relationships, Camp Ben Frankel rated No. 1 amongst North American Jewish Camps in the category of Israel Programming, according to the Foundation for Jewish Camp’s parent satisfaction surveys.
“This year our goal is to bring those children back,” said Hadley. “They are still displaced from their homes. Still traumatized by their lived experiences. Still under daily threats. We believe that bringing them back will help strengthen their friendships with the American Jewish campers – and be more likely for those friendships to translate into lifelong relationships.”
Along with the original 18 Israeli campers, some of their siblings have reached out to Hadley and the camp, hoping to attend this summer. That’s where the local Jewish community comes in.
Hadley and the camp are hoping once again to raise at least $100,000 to give partial to full scholarships to these 24 Israeli children and teens. Last year, with the help of the Jewish Light and its readers, the camp exceeded its goal by raising $117,000.
“I think that’s a key way that we ensure today’s Jewish youth feels strongly connected to, and supportive of Israel — by personalized relationships with individual Israelis,” added Hadley.
How you can help:
- Donate: Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Whether it’s a one-time donation or a monthly gift, your support will directly impact these children.
- Spread the Word: Share the campaign to make a lasting difference in the lives of these youngsters.
Donate:
Here is the link to the campaign site for donation: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/jewish-federation-of-southern-illinois/summer-2025-respite-for-israeli-kids-at-camp-ben-frankel
