Jewish camps urge Trump to preserve visa program for Israeli counselors

A number of Jewish camping organizations write to President Donald Trump, urging him to keep in place a program that grants visas to foreigners who work in summer camps.

“Participation of Jewish counselors and staff from Israel and other countries through the J-1 Camp Counselor and SWT programs is critical to the mission of the Jewish camp field — and the American camp experience as a whole,” says the letter spearheaded by the Foundation for Jewish Camp, referring to the summer work-travel program, which facilitates temporary work visas for camp counselors and other jobs.

“Our camps utilize these programs to bring cultural exchange staff from Israel to summer programs, where they participate in daily camp life, sharing Jewish traditions, teaching about Jewish and Israeli culture, and serving as role models for Jewish campers,” it says.

The letter was co-signed by the JCC Association of North America, the Union for Reform Judaism, National Ramah Commission, Habonim Dror North America, Association of Independent Jewish Camps, and Young Judaea Global.

— JTA