Camp Gan Israel – NY
The spirit of Gan Yisroel was reignited this past Sunday in Miami as Gan Yisroel New York celebrated its first ever reunion in Florida.
Over 60 boys attended the event which was led by staff and head staff from the summer who flew in especially for the reunion. Following an immensely successful summer in which many boys from Florida took part, the camp director, Rabbi Yossi Futerfas, decided that Gan Yisroel would make a special reunion for these boys in addition to the annual reunion that takes place in New York. The idea was to give these kids a fun and exciting day and let them relive some memories of the delightful summer they enjoyed.
The fun-filled program kicked off at The Shul of Bal Harbor where the boys were treated to a variety of snacks and refreshments as they chatted with friends and staff from the summer. The boys then boarded the waiting buses and headed to a local bowling alley for an hour of competitive bowling. Such activity in the heat of Miami called for something refreshing so the busses made a stop at a 7 eleven where, with slurpys in hand, the group posed for a grand picture.
Arriving back at The Shul, the boys davened an energized mincha and said the 12 pesukim in true Gan Yisroel style. A dairy supper was then served in the main hall of The Shul which had been beautifully decorated for the event. While the boys munched on their pizza, they watched a collection of highlights and special moments from the summer, all the while trying to find themselves in the videos. Camp songs were sung and memories were shared creating a palpable energy in the room that even some parents watching on the side were moved from. The event ended off with a grand raffle on a number of prizes and a distribution of chanukah gelt for each boy which saw many happy smiles going home that evening.
Many parents shared amazing feedback about the event and expressed their thanks to the camp for making the effort to give their children this experience in their hometown.
Many thanks to The Shul of Bal Harbor for hosting the event.
The Gan Yisroel New York reunion in New York will be taking place around Yud Shevat. The exact date and location will be announced in the near future.
We hope that this event brought much Nachas to the Rebbe and will hasten the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days, Amen!
