DC summer camp for relatives of fallen Israeli soldiers kicks off

WASHINGTON D.C., July 8 – Thirty-six children and siblings of fallen Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers, aged 12 to 14, are visiting the Washington D.C. and Philadelphia areas as part of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) LEGACY program, starting today. The kids will enjoy an unforgettable two weeks of touring and summer camp at Capital Camps and Retreat Center in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

This year marks the celebration of a five-year partnership between FIDF LEGACY programs and Capital Camps.

The Israeli teens – all of whom have lost a family member who was serving in Israel’s military – will have the opportunity to bond with each other while camping with American peers and forming life-long friendships. The Israeli children will participate in typical American camp activities such as swimming, archery, rock climbing, and arts and crafts, and in more familiar traditions like Israeli dancing and Jewish learning.

The entire program is fully sponsored by FIDF, including airfare, travel, accommodations, food and more. As part of the LEGACY experience, FIDF supporters in the Washington D.C. area, will host the Israeli teens at their homes over Shabbat.

“These children are so brave to have been through so much at such young ages,” said FIDF Washington D.C. Chapter Board Member and 2019 LEGACY Camp Committee Chair Dr. Benjamin Osborne, who will host three of the children at his home. “We want to show these incredible kids how much we appreciate the sacrifices they and their families have made for Israel and Jews everywhere.”

Six Israeli counselors who had experienced similar tragedies and two active-duty commanders from the IDF Casualty and Wounded Department are accompanying the children to help provide comfort and guidance.

The FIDF LEGACY program supports thousands of widows, orphans, siblings, and other family members of fallen IDF soldiers through recreational activities, financial support, and life-cycle celebrations.

About Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF):

FIDF was established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors as a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization with the mission of offering educational, cultural, recreational, and social programs and facilities that provide hope, purpose, and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide. Today, FIDF has more than 150,000 loyal supporters, and 23 chapters throughout the United States and Panama. FIDF proudly supports IDF soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and wounded veterans through a variety of innovative programs that reinforce the vital bond between the communities in the United States, the soldiers of the IDF, and the state of Israel. For more information, please visit: www.fidf.org.