Community Corner
Friends of the IDF Sends 16 Children and Siblings of Fallen Israeli Soldiers to DC-Area Summer Camp
'Bringing these incredible kids here to share in the uniquely American experience of summer camp is a wonderful way to help them heal'
The FIDF LEGACY group at camp and in the D.C. area. Photo credits: Courtesy of FIDF.
SILVER SPRING, Md. – Sixteen children and siblings of fallen Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers visited the Washington metropolitan area last week as part of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) LEGACY program to attend an unforgettable two-week recreation camp.
At Capital Camps and Retreat Center in Waynesboro, Pa., just outside of Maryland, the Israeli teens – all of whom have lost a family member who was serving in Israel’s military – bonded with each other and spent two weeks camping with American peers, forming lifelong friendships. The Israeli children participated in American camp activities – swimming, archery, rock climbing, and arts and crafts – and in more familiar traditions like Israeli dancing and Jewish learning.
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As part of the LEGACY experience, FIDF supporters in the Washington metropolitan area, hosted the Israeli teens at their Silver Spring and Potomac, Md., and, Fairfax, Va., homes following the camp.
“These brave children have been through so much,” said FIDF supporter Kim Hiller, who hosted one of the children at her Maryland home. “We wanted to show them how much we an FIDF appreciate the sacrifices their families have made.”
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“Bringing these incredible kids here to make lifelong friends, meet the community, and share in the uniquely American experience of summer camp is a wonderful way to help them heal from their loss,” added Mrs. Hiller’s husband Arnie, who is president of FIDF’s Washington chapter.
Four counselors who had experienced similar tragedies and two active-duty commanders from the IDF Casualty and Wounded Department accompanied 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 a variety of recreational activities, financial support, and life-cycle celebrations.
Photo #1: The LEGACY campers and counselors in front of the Lincoln Memorial during a tour of Washington, D.C., on Sunday, July 23.
Photo #2: The LEGACY campers and counselors with their D.C.-area host families.
