Jewish Agency Launches Campaign to Recruit 2,000 Emissaries for Overseas Summer Camps
The Jewish Agency has launched a recruitment campaign for 2,000 emissaries to international summer camps, aiming to strengthen ties between Israel and Diaspora youth.
The Jewish Agency has launched a major recruitment campaign for approximately 2,000 emissaries to summer camps abroad. The initiative aims to strengthen the strategic partnership between Israel and Diaspora Jewry and deepen ties with the younger generation.
Expanding the Emissary Network
Summer camps organized by Jewish communities abroad represent a cornerstone of Diaspora educational programming. Jewish Agency emissaries directly engage roughly 200,000 campers and staff members, serving as ambassadors of Israel during challenging times. The recruitment process runs through the end of January, with the emissaries heading to about 190 summer camps in the United States and Canada by the summer of 2027. They will integrate into local teams and lead activities in sports, music, art, dance, and Israeli culture.
Since October 7, the Jewish Agency's broader emissary network has reached a record high of about 3,000 emissaries deploying annually to some 60 countries. In addition to camp counselors, the agency operates more than 120 campus emissaries, over 250 gap-year volunteers (Shinshinim) prior to their IDF service, as well as community and youth movement emissaries.
Strengthening Resilience Against Antisemitism
Amid a sharp rise in the intensity and number of antisemitic incidents globally, the role of these emissaries in bolstering the resilience of Jewish communities and fostering mutual responsibility has become even more critical. Many of these young Israelis come from areas affected by recent conflicts, bringing authentic personal narratives to their international peers.
"Agency emissaries bring the Israeli story authentically to every place they reach," said Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog. "Over the past three years, their mission has been more important and meaningful than ever, acting as a living bridge between Israel and the Diaspora."
CEO of the Jewish Agency, Yehuda Setton, added that young Israelis today seek to make an impact and take responsibility. "Summer camp missions allow them to do just that alongside their peers in the Jewish world, returning with a deep understanding of global Jewry and a sense of shared responsibility for our future."
