Hello Na'aleh family!
As you all know, after two years Ron Alter is finishing his position in Camp Na'aleh and moving to Camp Galil. I'm replacing him as the Na'aleh Shaliach and will work closely with Samantha, the Rashei Eizor Avi and Noey and the Madrichim on running the camp and the Ken events. I'm really thrilled to be here and entering the Na'aleh community. I know that Ron has done an incredible job taking Na'aleh forward and it's a great privilege for me to continue in his place. I would like to wish him success at Camp Galil.
A bit about myself: I'm 23 years old. I was born and raised in Jerusalem and my family now lives in a small town called Mazkeret Batya. I've been a Chanich and a Madrich in HaNoar HaOved VeHaLomed (the Israeli sister-movement of Habonim-Dror) for many years, and after graduating high-school I joined a Kvutzah, living a communal life and working for the movement. I started off my army service as a combat soldier in the Nachal (an infantry unit). Afterward, I continued as an officer in the education corps, where I was in charge of running community projects in under-privileged ares in the south of Israel. I came to Habonim-Dror because I see in the movement's values a big part of my identity and I want to be a part of this Israeli-Diaspora partnership that tries to create a just, cooperative Jewish society.
This summer we had a very successful season, with 95 Chanichim and Chanichot in our new camp near Sidney; it is huge and dreamy and already feels like home. In the past few years, as you might know, Na'aleh is in growth and we provide the meaningful Na'aleh experience to more and more kids every year. Furthermore, our Ken activities, the events we have throughout the year, is a strong experience that allows Chanichim and Chanichot to continue being a part of the movement and carry on the Na'aleh spirit and values off-summer also. Though, we still have a lot ahead of us in our attempt of becoming a significant aspect in the lives of as many kids as we can. In order to achieve that, we'll have to work together, all of us, camp directors, Madrichim, board members, parents and campers, in order to bring Na'aleh to every Jewish kid in the area.
We want to build a network of educational institutions that share our vision. Places where Na'aleh's spirit fits in: schools, JCCs, congregations, federations and other Jewish communities; places where we can work to promote the camp and the Ken activities. We need your help to get to those places. So if you know places like these, or other parents who might be interested in sending their kids to Na'aleh, contact us so we can partner with them.
I'm really looking forward to working with all of you in growing Na'aleh and continuing its success as a significant and meaningful place to our families. I thank you so much for your dedication to camp. Please, feel free to contact me with any question or thought you might have.
Reminder: our first Ken event is Sunday, Sep. 14th, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at the great lawn in Central Park. We'll meet at the entrance to the park from the crossing of W86th street and Central Park West street, near the 86th street subway station, and then we'll walk together to the spot. While the kids are enjoying the activity, we'll have a short meeting of the parents also, and we'll appreciate your attendance. Also keep in mind that the next event is fall seminar, in Sep. 26-28. A separate flyer will be sent to each event later on.Thanks a lot and let us all have a great year together!
Amit-- Amit Rivlin
Israel Shaliach (Emissary)
Camp Na'aleh Habonim-Dror North America
