Finding Jewish Identity in Camp Szarvas, Hungary

Every summer, 1,500 campers from over 25 different countries participate in Camp Szarvas, sponsored by the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee. In this piece, Pessy Katz, a High School teacher, discusses the meaningful experiences she had with the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation program. Here is brief section from The Times of Israel op-ed.

Under the clear Hungarian sky and searing sun, my days at Camp Szarvas with Jewish teenagers from all over the world, were filled with international sports competitions, art projects, peulot (educational activities), bonfires, talent shows and of course, as every Szarvas-er will tell you, the iconic wandering Jew, who led many educational and entertaining activities throughout each two-week long session.

Katz writes, “I was fascinated and delighted to see how in its unique, dynamic and joyous way Camp Szarvas allows each participant, whether Hungarian, American, or Latvian, to live and choose their own Jewish identity, while ensuring the possibility of finding community.”

Read more: ‘Finding the Alte Heim’ by Pessy Katz. Also learn more at the Szarvas Facebook page.