While much of the world watched headlines filled with uncertainty and crisis, a different kind of story was unfolding quietly — one of laughter, healing, dancing, and connection. Summer 2025 at Camp Yeka Girls Summer, held this year in both Ukraine and Israel, became a haven of warmth and hope for dozens of Jewish girls from across Ukraine.

For many of these girls, Yeka is more than a summer camp — it’s a lifeline. Founded with the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s vision that no Jewish child should be forgotten, Yeka Girls has spent over a decade creating joyful, year-round support systems for underprivileged girls from orphanages and struggling homes in Ukraine. This summer, their mission took on new urgency.

A Camp in Two Countries — and in Two Worlds

The summer began with two weeks in Ukraine — a country still grappling with the realities of ongoing crisis. Camp took place in the Carpathian mountains where the girls could enjoy silence from the daily sirens of their regular life. Free to wander outside in the stunning campgrounds, breath in nature and be surrounded by tranquility for the first time in months. The girls were shielded by something far more powerful than walls: the love and presence of their counselors. Staff responded to every alert with calm and care, transforming fear into trust.

And then, a week later, the journey continued in Israel — where, heartbreakingly, sirens echoed once again. But this time, too, the Ukrainian girls who had escaped the crisis of Ukraine only for  a war to begin in Israel, were surrounded by music, crafts, delicious meals, and warm arms ready to hug and distract and hold space.

Sofia, 18, shared, “It feels like it follows me wherever I go… At least Yeka does also”. Despite the chaos around them, the girls felt safe.

Laughter Overcomes Fear

The counselors — young women from around the world — have fundraised tirelessly to make it to camp, pouring their energy, creativity, and whole hearts into every detail. They choreograph dances, stock up on candy, plan craft activities, create hilarious game nights and heart-to-hearts. They aren’t just staff — they are sisters, role models, and steady anchors in a storm.

One counselor shared, “We could have canceled this year. Everything is too expensive and too difficult to do. But instead, we doubled down. We came to give joy — and what we witnessed was beyond anything we imagined. These girls lit up. They bloomed.”

From talent shows and cupcake decorating to campfires under the stars, the girls were given not just an escape from their daily reality, but a deep sense of belonging.

When It Was Time to Leave, No One Wanted To

Dushka shared on instagram, “I could write a million posts about this special camp and the people who are there but I just want to write that I am so grateful to be part of it for 7 years and I hope to continue to be part of the camp. I already miss incredibly. I love you so much”.

Leaving camp was filled with hugs and tears, but also with something new: strength. The strength that comes from being seen, from feeling joy even in hard times, from knowing that you are part of something bigger — a family that stretches across borders and bunk beds and WhatsApp calls.

That very same night after the girls had said goodbye, they met at the nightly reunion over whatsapp video to say shema together. Maya and Fraidy, our dedicated head counselors, call the Yeka sisters whatsapp group every single night to reenergize, reconnect, and show the girls that camp may be over but as a family, they are always together.

“There are some campers that come every single night of the year to Shema Time. It gives us an opportunity to see what is going on in their life, ensure that someone wished them goodnight and said shema together and told them its an appropriate time to sleep. The connection I have with those girls is so much stronger and real when we reunite in camp”. – Fraidy, head counselor.

A Legacy of Light

In a summer shadowed by crisis, Yeka Girls shone brighter than ever. Not because the sirens didn’t go off — but because when they did, someone was there to hold each child’s hand.

And that is what Yeka Girls has always done: stand beside these children, not just for three weeks of camp, but throughout the year — with birthday packages, holiday gifts, messages of love, and reminders that they are never forgotten.

As one staff member put it, “We came to give them summer. But we all left with something that will last a lifetime.”

For more details and partnership with Yeka girls, please click here.