Camp Yeka of Ukraine Holds a First Reunion in New York

For the first time in Camp Yeka's history, former campers, former counselors, and current staff who live in Crown Heights gathered together for an impromptu reunion years in the making.

Last week, something remarkable happened.

For the first time in Camp Yeka’s history, former campers, former counselors, and current staff who live in Crown Heights gathered together for an impromptu reunion years in the making. Spanning more than two decades of Camp Yeka history, the gathering quickly became a powerful reminder of what Yeka has always been about: the fire, the shlichus, and the family that never stops caring about the children and about one another.

Around the room sat former campers who are now young adults building their own futures in Crown Heights, counselors who had once spent summers guiding and mentoring them, and this year’s staff, preparing to begin their own Yeka journey next week.

For the new counselors, it was an opportunity to connect to the Yeka story before heading to camp. For former staff, it was a chance to reconnect with children they once knew and to see the incredible, frum, confident young men they have become.

The impact of the evening was felt immediately by the new staff preparing to leave for camp.

“It was amazing to see that even though people came from different generations of Camp Yeka, they felt so connected,” said first-year counselor Mordechai Akhavan. “Even if they never worked at camp together, they still spoke about the campers as ‘their boys.’ Everyone felt part of the same family and the same mission that is Yeka. It made me incredibly excited to be a part of this elite unit.”

One moment captured the spirit of the evening perfectly.

Among the guests was Eli Artemenko, formerly known as Kolya. Many of the counselors in the room remembered him as a young camper taking his first steps in reconnecting with his Jewish heritage. They remembered the excitement surrounding his bris, when he chose the name Eli after his counselor, and the many milestones that followed. Today, after years of growth and learning, Eli lives and works in Crown Heights as a proud, frum Yid.

For those who knew him as a child, seeing him there was more than a reunion-it was a living example of what Camp Yeka is all about.

Looking around the room, it became clear that Yeka is not measured in summers. It is measured in the lives that continue to be shaped years later.

“It was truly inspiring to see people from different generations of Yeka come together,” reflected Mendel Goodman, Director of Development. “To see those who were impacted years ago standing together with the next generation of staff, and to see what Yeka has become. In moments like that, you realize that every bit of effort is worth it. When you see what camp does for these children and how deeply they love it, you understand why we do this.”

Throughout the evening, stories were shared, memories were relived, camp songs were sung, and friendships that began years ago were instantly rekindled. What became clear to everyone present was that Yeka does not end when summer ends. The connections formed at camp continue for years, often for a lifetime.

Former head staff member Shneur Chein reflected on what made the evening so meaningful:

“Reconnecting with former campers, now thriving adults living in New York, and with fellow staff with whom we shared so many unforgettable experiences, was truly special. Seeing the next generation of staff excited to embark on their own shlichus was deeply inspiring. I look forward to many more events like this.”

The reunion was also an opportunity to recognize the countless people who have made Yeka possible over the years. Every director, counselor, staff member, volunteer, donor, and supporter has played a role in building something truly extraordinary. The impact of Camp Yeka belongs to all of them.

Former counselor Zalman Teleshevsky summed up the feeling shared by many in the room:

“It’s so special to see the fire and the shlichus not only still alive, but thriving and growing stronger every year. A tremendous thank you goes to the directors, staff, and supporters who haven’t just continued this mission, but strengthened it, allowing Yeka to change even more children’s lives.”

Levi Berger, Executive Director of Camp Yeka, emphasized that the evening was also an opportunity to recognize the many people who have carried the Yeka shlichus forward throughout its history.

“It was incredibly special to see so many people come together around a cause that remains so close to their hearts. Whether you were a camper or a staff member, Yeka becomes part of who you are. This reunion was a reminder that Yeka is much more than a camp-it is a family and a lifelong mission.

I would like to thank the many individuals who, at one point or another, dedicated themselves to this shlichus and helped ensure that Yeka not only survived but continued to grow, amongst them: Ahron Kogan, Shneur Chein, Chaiml Leiter, Yisroel Eichenblatt, Minka Borodkin, Meir Levin, Ari Block, Yakov Shmuel Golomb, Efraim Yarmak and countless others whose names I cannot mention simply because there are so many.

Looking around the room, it was impossible not to feel excited about the future. We look forward to Yeka continuing to grow stronger and reaching every Jewish child in Ukraine who can benefit from it. We look forward to an even larger reunion in the future, bringing together not only those living in Crown Heights, but Yeka alumni from around the world to reconnect, share memories, and inspire one another. Most importantly, we look forward to continuing the Rebbe’s mission, making him proud, and bringing Moshiach speedily in our days.”

Today, Camp Yeka is led by Levi Berger, Mendel Goodman, and Yasha Lerner, together with an incredible team of staff and volunteers who continue to carry this mission forward.

And now, the next chapter is about to begin.

Next week, 130 Jewish children from across Ukraine will arrive at Camp Yeka. Many have endured another year of war, displacement, loss, poverty, and uncertainty. For them, camp is far more than a vacation. It is a place of safety during wartime. A place of love for children who so desperately need it. A place of inspiration, connection, and growth, where inner sparks are ignited. A place where they can discover pride in who they are as Yidden and reconnect with their heritage. Most importantly, it is a place where they can simply be children while their souls are awakened to Yiddishkeit.

This summer’s camp will take place on beautiful new grounds near the Carpathian Mountains, providing these children with a secure environment filled with joy, adventure, warmth, and connections that truly last a lifetime.

To make it happen, Camp Yeka is currently raising the final funds needed for this summer’s program.

As we looked around the room and saw former campers becoming thriving young adults, one thing was clear: the investment made in a child today can change the course of his life forever.

Help us create more Yeka stories: Fundnation.org/yeka

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