Something new is happening this summer in Madison. Thanks to the partnership we have with the Sovev Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) region in Israel through Partnership2Gether (P2G), a new program has begun. We are excited to host two young Israeli counselors from the region, who have joined Camp Shalom as full-time staff this summer, bringing with them a fresh Israeli spirit.

Meet Yuval and Shir. We asked them to tell us about themselves and this is what they had to say:

Shir
Hey everyone! My name is Shir, I am 22 years old. I’m from Givat Avni, a small village in the Galilee. I have a little brother and sister and also a dog named Bonny. I like to travel, to play the guitar and have fun! I am very excited and looking forward the summer camp, and I'm sure we are going to have a good time. See you soon!

Yuval Aidan
My name is Yuval Aidan, I am 20 years old. I live in Givat Avni, which is in the northern district of Israel near Tiberias. I have one sister and two brothers.

I just finished my military service three months ago, and now I am working as a hotel receptionist in Tiberias. I love to dance. I used to dance ballet until I was 17 years old. I also love traveling and seeing new places and I'm really excited to come to Madison. I've heard a lot of good things about your city, and I'm looking forward to getting to know your community. I am really happy to take part in this amazing project and so thankful for the opportunity I got. See you soon!

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Provide Hospitality
Consider inviting Shir and Yuval on a day excursion, weekend trip, or dinner out to show them some community hospitality now through August 11th. Contact Ellen Weismer, program@jewishmadison.org to discuss how you might help give them a really special exchange experience while they are here in Madison!

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Other Recent P2G Programs
Shir and Yuval are not the only connection we have with our partnership area. In May, a delegation of six students from the Sovev Kinneret region came to the Midwest, and together with local Madison students and young adults, they participated in what we called Reciprocal Birthright.  They traveled to Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago and had the opportunity to see, learn and understand Jewish life in USA, the challenges and perspectives. It was amazing. See the pictures on Facebook.