By Leibel Baumgarten
Camp Gan Yisrael in Johannesburg, run under the auspices of Chabad House, continued its remarkable growth with more than 450 children enjoying two weeks of fun, trips and Jewish education.
As part of the program, children spent 67 minutes making sandwiches for distribution to impoverished children in the Malatjlie township in honor of the birthday of Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s anti-apartheid revolutionary and President from 1994 to 1999.
Camp Gan Yisrael is “driven” in part Chabad House’s Miracle Drive, directed by Rabbis David Masinter and Michael Katz. The program has already sponsored numerous efforts on behalf of the residents of Malatjlie, which is home to thousands just minutes away from the Lansaria airport.
“Madiba spent his life working to better the lives of others,” explained camp directors Rabbi Pini and Rochie Pink to the kids. “We are going to spend a few minutes following in those footsteps and do something great for needy children in his honour.”
Camp Gan Yisrael has become a household name throughout the Johannesburg Jewish community, and each year its attendance increases steadily. The program includes trips to the Aquadome and ice skating, along with a Jewish pride themed activities and games.
“There is no beating the Gan Yisrael spirit,” says Mrs. Gross, a proud parent. “We know that our kids will always come home smiling, and dying to go back the next day.”
Head staff hailing from as far away as California led a team of devoted and energetic staff in giving the kids a most memorable experience.
Abba Raichik and Yossi Richler headed the boys’ division, Esty Wineberg and Chomi Lisbon the girls’ and Chanie Spielman and Mushky Grossman the kiddie camp. “We loved working in this warm community,” said Lisbon. “It was great fun and tremendously rewarding.”
YOU ARE THE BEST – WE LOVE YOU!!!! NEXT YEAR IN MANCHESTER.
You guys rock!!! MIss you tooonz!
Love avremel and mendel
That’s me!!!!!!!
Well done pine and rochie
They are the best directors to work with!
Camp would not have happened without them!
The greatest camp. Thanks for the pics of the grandchildren!!
CGI would not be the awesome camp that it is without Rabbi Pini and Rochie Pink!!!!
Go Esty Wineberg – Best H.C EVER!!!!
A pic I saw on a certain what’s app group (its winter- that’s why the grass is not green) .
Go rochy and pini!
Go Camp Gan Yisrael! We love you!
chomi looking good!! 🙂 miss you!