Bringing Light and Laughter to Displaced Kids at the “Heart of Israel” Day Camp

This week, Dror Israel launched a special day camp called Heart of Israel, serving hundreds of children who were evacuated after their homes were damaged or destroyed by ballistic missiles during the war with Iran. The children come from Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Ramat Gan, and Petach Tikva, and are now living in three hotels where the day camp is being held.

The children and their counsellors enjoyed a fun day at the Safari.

Created in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the different municipalities involved, the camp is led by Dror Israel educators and graduates of our associated youth movement, Hanoar Haoved Vehalomed (NOAL). With experience in emergency education, our team is providing daily activities, emotional support, and a sense of routine, helping kids laugh, connect, and feel safe, even in the midst of uncertainty.

Just kids being kids, enjoying a carefree day with animals, laughter, and new friends.

On Sunday, at the start of the second week, a new group of NOAL’s Junior Counselors will join the program. These teen leaders recently completed emergency educational and emotional support training at Dror Israel’s Leadership Training Institute and are ready to put their new skills into action, helping run activities and offer support to younger children. These junior counsellors are from Petach Tikva themselves, making it especially meaningful that they are now supporting children from their own city, even while physically displaced. It’s resilience, community-building, and leadership in action.

Just kids being kids, enjoying a carefree day with animals, laughter, and new friends.

We are just getting started.

Thanks to our educators, teen leaders, and the strength of the children themselves, these communities, and the heart of Israel, are finding their way forward, together.

Special days next week include “Hotel Olympics” and a day at the movies.