Attracting 70 Jewish children from across Belarus, the FJC’s overnight ‘Gan Israel’ summer camp in the suburbs of Minsk, the Belarus capital, managed to become a shining beacon of light and inspiration for the country’s Jewish population.

Headed by the Chief Rabbi and Rebbetzin of Minsk, Shneor and Bassie Deitsch, the special camp offered ten days packed with excitement, values, and rare opportunities to make new friends.

The activities included sports and swimming, social games, experiential Jewish heritage classes, nutritious kosher meals, trips and attractions, an experienced and loving staff, and much more.

For many of the children, arriving from cities such as Gomel, Grodno, Mogilev, Bobruisk, and, of course, Minsk, the weekend Shabbaton was the highlight of the camp. It was a heartwarming and unifying experience for life.