• Lielle Rifkin (1st Year Counselor)
• Daniel Cutler (3rd Year Counselor)
• Leila Magitsky (1st Year Counselor)
• Eddie Maklin (2nd Year Counselor)
• Sofia Maklin (1st Year Counselor)
• Anet Higer - Sderot Program Director

Chaperones:
• Dr. Lana Rifkin - RJCF Vice President
• Natasha Bukhanova (Sasha & Ksenya’s Mom)

Counselor's parents:
• Elina Magitsky (Mom of 1st Year Counselor Leila Magitsky
• Svetlana Moldavskiy (Mom of 2nd Year Counselor Eddie Maklin & 1st Year Counselor Sofia Maklin)

Lielle Rifkin (1st Year Counselor)
When I reflected on my experience at Camp Boston-Sderot to Masha Gershman, my aunt and the program's founder, she was shocked. "When I started the camp, I never dreamed it would have this impact on the American counselors!" she confided in me.

Perhaps we were not the intended beneficiaries of the Camp Boston-Sderot volunteer program, but I, as well as the rest of my group, were given the opportunity of a lifetime. I felt connected to the land of Israel, especially since this was my seventh trip. Still, I was unprepared for how connected to the people of Israel I would become. The task of being responsible for a group of children with whom you share neither language nor culture is a daunting one. Yet, having to be vulnerable with my campers, relying on them to translate for each other and for me, allowed us to make such unique bonds. I had the privilege of being their safe space- the older sister who did their makeup and the proxy mother who gave them goodnight kisses and said "Laila Tov!" every night.

Equally as important were the connections I was able to make with my fellow counselors. One of my all-time favorite memories of Camp was learning the partner card game Karecupe, which Sasha and I played every night- and then taught our friends the minute we got home. Over nights laughing over games and pranks, trading stories about our day and our lives back home, I truly feel like I bonded with people who will be invited to my wedding (and vice versa, I hope!). They taught me not only about the many, many ways to be Jewish, but also about truly loving every moment of life. That mentality is not something we see often in the State, and one I hope to apply going forward.

I cannot wait to return next year for what is sure to be another life changing experience.

Daniel Cutler (3rd Year Counselor)

This was my third year attending Camp Boston Sderot, I still don’t speak Russian or Hebrew… and it was still my favorite year so far!

By now, camp feels familiar to me, as familiar as it can be. In each moment, you don't always realize the connections you're building, but it's through the little things—the activities, the meals, and even finding a quiet moment to sit and have a conversation with someone—that you realize what camp is really all about. I think back to when I first joined the program, I could have never imagined how much meaning and love it would bring to my life.

One of the most special parts of the program is meeting people from across the world who you can relate to, whether it's because you're Jewish or because you simply connect with one another. I've built incredible friendships, and there are people I now consider family who I never would have met without this program.

I'm extremely excited to be back in the program next year. I was also so happy to see all of the Americans who came from the U.S. this year. It means so much that they were willing to travel so far, take so many risks, and embrace a completely new camp experience. Their commitment to the program made this year even more meaningful.

I'm again unbelievably grateful to all of the donors who made this possible. It is not something any of the Israeli or American counselors take for granted. This camp is proof of how strong the jewish community is, and how willing we are to build each other up: even from across the world.

Sasha Medvinsky (1st Year Counselor)

My trip to Israel was probably one of my favorite trips and overall one of the best experiences I've ever had in my entire life. The first couple of days, meeting all the counselors, getting to spend time with them, and hearing about all of their experiences was just amazing. Then, coming into camp, for me personally, the first couple of days were stressful, as I was put with a lot of kids without a ton of help. But after that was resolved, I genuinely cannot describe how amazing, kind, and interesting these kids were. I created a special bond with each and every one of them, and I would want nothing more than to come back next year and do the same thing all over again.

My most memorable moments with the kids were coming into each one of their rooms, chatting with them before bed, and giving them their goodnight hugs and kisses. At first, the language barrier seemed difficult, but the kids got past the barrier once they connected with you. After you get past the barrier and the kids start to get to know you more and more, they truly want nothing more than to spend time with you.

I led band as one of the activities, and the kids who were in my activity were so driven and so talented. Every day, I would come to band, and I couldn't wait to practice and rehearse with them. Our closing performance came out amazing, and I couldn't be prouder. It takes a while to adjust because it is a very different environment, and you need to change your perspective and put yourself in these kids' shoes. If I could change anything, I would work on making the evening activities a little bit more organized. As the kids themselves are very energetic, in my opinion, the evening activities needed to be more straightforward. But at the end of the day, the kids had an amazing time, and speaking for myself, I had an unbelievably wonderful experience.

Every day since I've been back home, I have been thinking about those past three weeks and how badly I want to relive them.

Leila Magitsky (1st Year Counselor)

My time as a counselor at Camp Boston-Sderot was the most meaningful and rewarding thing I have ever been a part of. At first, I was nervous. I was in a new country, working with new people, trying to understand and communicate in a new language. Despite this, the people there welcomed me with open arms. I learned quickly that "rega" meant wait and that "laila tov" meant goodnight. I learned that my campers were there for the first time as well, and that our camp experience was something we could make together. Times when I was braiding my girls' hair or bonding over musical artists and songs are some I will never forget.

This camp was completely new, though I had grown up in its New Hampshire counterpart. It was the kind of place where counselors could spontaneously gather in the cafeteria for karaoke, with our kids watching and laughing. I am so grateful to the kids and counselors of camp Boston sderot for making this an experience I will remember for the rest of my life.

Eddie Maklin (2nd Year Counselor)

Being part of Boston-Sderot Camp this year was an experience I will remember forever. The thing that stood out to me the most is how quickly the American counselors bonded with the Israeli campers and staff alike. Between all the activities, long days, and time spent together, I got to know everybody on a much deeper level than the previous year. It truly felt like a family reunion.

One of the most meaningful parts for me was seeing what this camp represents beyond just hanging out and having fun. For example, this year was the first year we had “serious night”. We discussed how camp came to be and why the people behind wanted it to happen. It became clear how important the connection between Boston and Sderot really is and how much history there is behind this program. For 19 years, American volunteers have been coming to camp, and with this being my second year, it really felt like a homecoming. The way I was welcomed back made me feel like this was home. I came away from camp with new friendships, an even stronger connection to Sderot, and a lot of memories that I know I’ll not only carry with me but share with anybody that asks about my connection to Israel.

However, at the same time, this year definitely had its challenges. With so many new campers, it definitely took longer for everyone to understand the routine, which also put more pressure on the counselors. I think in the future we could benefit from having a better balance between returning and new campers, especially TWO (head counselor AND program director, that are both able to communicate with Israelis and Americans) clear people responsible for discipline so counselors can focus more on building relationships and creating a positive experience. I also think having everyone living closer together instead of being spread throughout a multi-story building would make camp feel more connected and make organization much easier.

Even with those challenges, some of my favorite moments were the simple ones; seeing campers and counselors become more comfortable with each other every day, watching friendships form between people from completely different cultural backgrounds, and seeing everyone in a surreal state once they started to realize camp was coming to an end. Those are the moments that made the long days worth it and are the reason why I plan on coming back as a counselor for a third year.

Sofia Maklin (1st Year Counselor)

Being a counselor at Camp Boston-Sderot was truly the best experience I’ve ever had. I knew before going that it would be meaningful, but I am still in disbelief at how much it affected me.

I loved the Israeli campers and counselors so much. They are so funny, energetic, and just so full of life. What really stuck with me was how much happiness they all still had in them. They have suffered through horrendous things that nobody should ever have to experience, but were all still able to laugh, make friends, dance, and just enjoy camp. Watching that every day really changed my perspective. It reminded me that even after horrible things, there will always be hope and joy.

Camp also taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I have more patience than I thought, and that a good night's sleep is optional, lol. And although there were challenging moments, even the hardest parts felt worth it. Being at camp Boston-Sderot made me feel like I was part of something important.

My favorite part of camp was how much I was able to laugh. Since my grandmother died, I don’t think I have felt that kind of pure happiness. I genuinely smiled in a way that I haven’t in a long time. I think camp gave me permanent smile line wrinkles, but I honestly hope they stay because they will always remind me of those two amazing weeks.

For future years, I think the most important thing for American counselors to remember is that this camp is completely for the children of Sderot. It is going to be exhausting, and there will definitely be moments when people cry (one too many eggs cracked on my freshly washed hair), get overwhelmed, or feel like they are running on nothing. But all of that is worth it because our goal is so much bigger than us. That goal is to let kids be kids and have a break from everything they have had to carry.

I cannot put into words how lucky I feel that I got to be a part of this experience.

Kseniya Medvinsky (1st Year Counselor)

Over the course of this summer, I experienced a life changing trip. Before I decided on enduring this trip, I was conflicted on whether or not I wanted to go. I was concerned with seeing my friends off to college, and preparing for college myself. I decided to fundraise for the cause, while still not being sure on my decision. When I ended up going on this trip, I didn’t know what to expect. I had some assumptions of course, I expected my overwhelming emotion at the nova festival site, I expected to struggle with communication.

What I didn’t expect was how warmly I was accepted. Although a big part of myself is Russian Jewish, I am outwardly American. I was afraid that the country that I grew up in would be shown too much through my personality, and that I would be judged for it. The people of Israel were warmly accepting and welcoming, but especially the counselors and kids of this camp. I had the privilege of being a counselor to Erika, Jessica, Masha, Sophia, and Isabella.

On the first day, they were embracing me in big hugs morning and night, despite me being a complete stranger. Their excitement for this camp allowed me to overcome my fear of the language and culture barrier and actually allow myself to be part of their balagan. By the end of camp they were calling me mom, and my heart broke to see them go. I got lucky with girls that all spoke Russian, but I don’t believe that language barrier is something that counselors actually have to overcome, because I learned that there are always ways to communicate. I learned the kids that might not speak the same language as you have an even bigger interest in learning all about me and had put even more effort into finding a way to communicate. Through my experience, Google Translate was my best friend, and I was able to learn about children’s whole life’s using it.

Something I think that we should do differently for the future generation of counselors is prepare them for the actual structure of the camp, which more or less be preparing them for the aspect of a structureless camp. All the American counselors of this year were prepared for a structure similar to RSM and it was nothing like that. Despite this, this was an experience of a lifetime and I wouldn’t do anything differently.

Anet Higer - Sderot Program Director

Returning to RSM Camp this year was incredibly exciting and meaningful for me. The last time I attended the camp was in 2017, when I was a camper. This year, I returned as an adult and a math teacher. Going from being a camper to becoming a teacher felt like a special full-circle moment, and returning to a place that had been such a meaningful part of my childhood gave me a warm and familiar feeling.

I tried to teach my math classes in an open and welcoming atmosphere while presenting the material in creative ways that broke up the usual routine. It was important to me that the students learned and improved, but also that they enjoyed the lessons and felt comfortable participating. I tried to combine serious learning with activities and teaching methods that would help them remain focused and involved throughout each lesson. I truly enjoyed the relationships I formed with my students and the time we spent together.
At the same time, because my role was mainly that of a teacher, I sometimes felt that I was missing the closer relationship that usually develops between a counselor and a camper. That is why I was happy to participate in the evening activities organized by the counselors and help them in any way I could. One of my favorite and most memorable parts of RSM was our Friday dinners outside. Everyone sat together dressed nicely, and the atmosphere felt warm, joyful, and family-like. Moments like those reminded me of how special the camp is to me.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return to RSM after so many years and experience it from a completely different perspective. Being able to return to a place where I was once a camper and contribute to it as a math teacher made the experience even more meaningful and gave me a true sense of coming full circle.

After RSM Camp, I traveled to the camp in Israel the place where I grew up and progressed through every role over the years, from camper to assistant counselor, then counselor, and finally counselor coordinator this year. While I was at RSM, I paid close attention to how the camp operated behind the scenes: how schedules were organized, activities were planned, unexpected changes were handled, and communication flowed between the different levels of staff. I took inspiration and ideas from what I observed, which helped me begin my role in Israel with greater confidence and a broader understanding of the responsibilities ahead of me.

The camp in Israel has always been much more than just a place I visit during the summer. It feels like home and like one big heart, and it will always be an enormous part of who I am and how I grew up. As a camper, I arrived without any worries and was simply able to enjoy the experience. Later, as an assistant counselor and counselor, my main focus was on the campers and the personal relationships I formed with them. This year, as counselor coordinator, I was able to see the full picture for the first time. I saw everything happening behind the scenes and the amount of thought, planning, and effort required to create a positive experience for the campers. The role gave me a completely new perspective on a place I have known and loved for years.
In this role, I was responsible for creating the daily schedules and activities, assigning responsibilities to the counselors, and communicating all the necessary information to ensure that everyone knew what they needed to do.

Because the schedule changed almost every day and there were many unexpected situations, I had to respond quickly, find solutions, and make sure everything ultimately came together. At the same time, it was important to me to be available not only in an organizational sense but also on a personal level. I supported the counselors, helped them with whatever they needed, and tried to be someone they could always talk to.

I turned my room into a shared counselors’ room a place where everyone could meet, relax, spend time together, and openly talk about what they were experiencing. It created a welcoming, comfortable, and family-like atmosphere, and we shared many fun and funny moments there. I was happy to see the Israeli and American counselors build strong relationships, spend time together, and feel comfortable coming to me for help. As the camp continued, I felt that they trusted me and that I was truly able to be there for them.

Because we had many new and younger campers, and because I lived in the same building as them, I also became someone the campers could turn to. They felt comfortable coming to me, sharing what they were going through, and talking about anything that was on their minds. This allowed me to support the counselors while still maintaining the personal connection with the campers that has always been one of the most important parts of camp for me.

The amount of responsibility and the need to be available to both the campers and counselors were challenging, but they taught me a great deal about myself. I have always known that I enjoy helping others, but during camp I discovered just how patient I can be and how capable I am of listening and handling complex situations with care and calmness. I surprised myself with the depth of my patience and my ability to remain present for others even throughout long and intense days.

Volunteering at camp is especially meaningful to me because I study in Italy, which means that my time in Israel with my family is limited. Even so, I chose to dedicate two weeks of my personal time to volunteering with the incredible children of Sderot. I could have used that time to work or spend more time with my family, but it was important to me to choose camp again and give back to a place that has given me so much throughout the years. To me, that choice reflects just how important the camp and its children are to me.

In the end, what made all the work, challenges, and long days worthwhile were the moments when campers told me how much they had enjoyed themselves. Knowing that we had given them two weeks of happiness, freedom, a chance to recharge, and positive experiences reminded me of our purpose from the very beginning. Even when things were complicated behind the scenes, what mattered most was that the children felt happy, safe, and that they belonged. For me, knowing that was the most meaningful part of the entire experience.

Chaperones
Dr. Lana Rifkin - RJCF Vice President

I’m back and only now beginning to process and reflect on the nearly three weeks I spent in Israel.

We brought 80 kids from Sderot - a town on the Gaza border, deeply and personally affected by the October 7th massacre - to a sleepaway camp run by us. Many of these kids are living with PTSD and fears that most of us can’t imagine. Kids who were afraid to fall asleep unless their counselor stayed beside them until they drifted off (just ask my daughter), kids who don't know routine because their schooling and lives are too disrupted by falling rockets.
Our American counselors gave these Israeli kids something even more meaningful than a summer camp. They gave them the knowledge that someone cares. That someone sees them. That someone is willing to DO something. They bonded deeply with the Israeli kids, with their Israeli counterpart counselors, and with each other.
After camp, we had the incredible opportunity to experience Jerusalem and Tel Aviv together as a group - to laugh, explore, and create some very special memories after a very intense few weeks.
I am endlessly proud of these kids. Just unbelievably proud and so honored to have witnessed them like this.
Thank you to our incredible community. Thank you for your generosity, your encouragement, and for following along with us throughout this journey. And an enormous thank you to RJCF for its endless support and commitment to making this connection between our people possible.
And a huge thank you to my co-chaperone and new favorite travel partner, Natasha, who helped me stay somewhat sane, worry just a little less, and laugh so much more.
Am Yisrael Chai❤️

Natasha Bukhanova (Sasha & Ksenya’s Mom)

That’s a wrap. We’re all safely back in the U.S., everyone is accounted for, and the counselors and chaperones are still (mostly) standing.

Lana kept you updated throughout the trip, but now that we’re home I also wanted to tell you how proud I am of our kids.

We were lucky to have no sirens or emergencies in Israel. But this was not a vacation for our kids. They worked really long days on very little sleep, various fevers and viruses moved through the group, and through all of it they were responsible for their campers almost around the clock. There were days when they were exhausted and frustrated and just wanted to sleep. They weren’t always cheerful about it but they kept going. They showed up for their campers, helped each other, and learned on the fly what it actually means to have other people depending on you.

But they also had fun. They laughed a lot, made friends, and somewhere in the middle of this balagan became genuinely close, with their campers, the Sderot counselors, and especially with each other.

A separate shout out to Lana, our logistics guru and head chaperone who also became our resident doctor, pharmacy, snack supplier, and general source of TLC. Every fever, headache, stomachache, and mysterious ailment found its way to her, and she handled all of it with enormous patience. We were lucky to have her and your kids received vip care.

Please know that your kids are coming home absolutely exhausted but also with new friendships, a different perspective, and life experience they could not have acquired anywhere else. Some may appreciate that now and some may need a few years. :-)

As a mom who got to watch all of them up close, I’m incredibly proud of this group.

Svetlana Moldavskiy (Mom of 2nd Year Counselor Eddie Maklin & 1st Year Counselor Sofia Maklin)

As a parent, one of the most meaningful things about Camp Boston-Sderot is seeing who my children are when they come home.

This year, Eddie returned for his second year as a volunteer counselor, and Sofia joined the camp for the first time. Both came back incredibly happy, but it is a different kind of happiness. It is not simply the happiness of having had a good time. It comes from purpose, gratitude and appreciation. It also comes from knowing that they were part of something that mattered.
Throughout the camp, I would hear stories about very little sleep, constantly changing plans, having to improvise, and moments when things probably felt a little chaotic. Yet somehow, out of all of that, something beautiful bloomed.
They fell in love with the children they worked with. They formed real bonds with the Israeli counselors and with one another. They learned to take responsibility, to adapt, to give of themselves, and to find joy in being there for someone else.

What stays with me most is the light they brought home. Camp Boston-Sderot gave my children something that is difficult to create intentionally as a parent: a deep sense of connection, belonging, purpose, and hope. They went to Israel to give something of themselves, but they came home having received just as much in return.

Seeing that transformation in both makes me deeply grateful for this camp and for everyone who makes it possible. For me, as a parent, that is what Camp Boston-Sderot means: watching our children discover that some of the greatest happiness comes not from what they receive, but from knowing that they showed up, connected deeply, and became part of something bigger than themselves.

Elina Magitsky (Mom of 1st Year Counselor Leila Magitsky

As a parent, I’m so grateful that my daughter Leila had the opportunity to volunteer in Israel as a counselor for children from Sderot. It was an experience that challenged her, brought her a lot of joy, and gave her the chance to make meaningful connections with the children and the other volunteers.

She came home with wonderful memories and a real appreciation for the responsibility of being there for the kids. It wasn’t always easy, but that was part that made the experience so valuable. She learned, grew, and had a lot of fun along the way.

Most importantly, when I asked her if she would do it again, her answer was an immediate yes. As a parent, that says a lot. I’m thankful to the organization for giving her the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful, and I would absolutely encourage other families to consider it.