Kulanu Be’yachad – Everyone Together!!

We have all been through a tough time. One way or another, the war is leaving its mark on us all. But there is an up side too. Yes, Operation Protective Edge has had some positive side effects!

Due to the fragile security situation, many families are remaining indoors most of the day. With the ever-present threat of sirens, parents do not let the children out of their sight. Day-camps have been cancelled; outings and trips postponed. Who can travel north whilst soldiers down south are fighting and risking their lives?

Rather than kvetch, some parents are turning the problem into a challenge. They have found original and creative ways to entertain their children. The hours spent together have become quality time – parents enjoying children and children are enjoying parents.

One of these mothers – my daughter, mother of eight – realized that if she did not take the reins quickly, either she or the kids would go crazy. She could not tolerate another day hearing again and again, “Imma, meshamem li” – Mammy, I am bored!

Her response – she prepared for them a ten-day activity camp focused on doing things together and enjoying the experience. Its title – “kulanu be'yachad” – Everyone Together – and if you look at the logo you will see, that is exactly what it was.

The surprise was total. The children woke up early one day last week anticipating another boring day. Little did they know what was waiting for them! They saw on the front door a huge poster welcoming them to the Kulanu Be'yachad Campus. A whoop of delight and everyone jumped out of bed. Nobody wanted to miss the fun. The poster described the week ahead and gave detailed instructions how each child would contribute to the success of the project. A note of humor – a note added at the foot of the poster, “A special request is extended to Hamas not to disturb our camp but even if it does – kulanu be'yachad – we are all together!

It will take me much longer than my allotted space to tell you of the wonderful activities the children did that week. On the first day, after a festive breakfast, each child handed in a note with his favorite food. That put them all in a good mood. Every child would have a day with his menu. In one week, they enjoyed felaffel, chips, pizza, bagette and sausages. I was surprised that nobody suffered stomach aches!

Every day a different child prepared the entertainment program. The six year old needed assistance but his performance gained everyone's applause. The oldest child prepared a drama describing life in Israel in another 100 years! During the temporary ceasefire, there was a midnight visit to the local park. They sang and danced and played games and had quizzes together. The climax was the last day – the children wrote notes describing the special qualities and good deeds of their siblings. The notes were pinned to the wall – a wonderful record of what our Sages called, “A good eye”.

I visited them after the camp was over and they were still bubbling with excitement. “What was so special?” I asked. The oldest one answered. “I never knew how much fun it is to spend time with my brothers and sisters!”

Isn't that how the Jewish People should be Kulanu Be'yachad – all of us together!