YU connects with Negev youth

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The raw wild beauty of the Negev desert where our Forefathers walked is currently home to about fifteen Israeli towns, often with marginally affiliated populations living on a low socio-economic level. The youth in these areas struggle with identity, education and social issues.

In a continuing successful effort to educate and empower students in these areas, 70 enthusiastic and motivated college students began Yeshiva University’s seventh Counterpoint Israel Program on July 3rd, the summer camp beginning for the students on July 10th. As part of YU’s Center for the Jewish Future, the month long program staffed by YU students from the U.S., Canada and South Africa will be running English enrichment and skills building programs as in years before in Dimona and Arad. New programs in Beer Sheva, Kiryat Gat and Kiryat Malachi will stress structure and education opportunities for local at risk youth to improve their academic levels and stay out of trouble during the summer.

“We are proud of the Counterpoint initiative, which has proven to be one of the most effective and powerful tools in educating and empowering Jewish youth, impacting entire communities and preparing YU students for their roles as future Jewish leaders,” said Rabbi Kenneth Brander, the David Mitzner Dean of the CJF. 

 “Counterpoint continues to grow and succeed due to the truly unique atmosphere it creates.  It fosters an environment in which young, underprivileged Israeli students feel loved, accomplished, and comfortable enough to open up to new people and experiences, and gives our counselors a chance for self-discovery and the opportunity to hone their skills while taking on the roles of Jewish change agents.” 

The YU CJF program began seven years ago with 12 YU students as camp counselors and one camp site, and has now grown to 70 counselors and six summer camps. Close to 1,000 local students have benefitted from the efforts of the counselors over the years.

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