A group of courageous Israeli girls battling cancer arrived in New York on Thursday, July 26, aboard one of the first civilian flights out of Israel since the recent ceasefire with Iran. Their destination: Camp Simcha, Chai Lifeline’s medically supervised overnight camp in Glen Spey, NY, for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
After weeks of uncertainty and emotional turmoil, the girls were welcomed to Camp Simcha with thunderous cheers, music, and a sea of dancing campers, staff, and volunteers.
“These girls haven’t just faced the unimaginable challenges of childhood cancer,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “They’ve done so while living under the constant stress, fear, and disruption of war. Camp Simcha offers them something illness and conflict have stolen: a place to laugh, to connect, and to heal. Here, they get to be kids again.”
Upon arrival at JFK Airport, the group made a meaningful stop at The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Ohel, where they davened, and shared a moment of reflection and gratitude before continuing on to camp.
“For these children, Camp Simcha is more than a camp, it’s a lifeline,” said Nachman Maimon, director of Camp Simcha. “It’s a place where their diagnosis doesn’t define them, and for a few precious weeks, they get to just be kids.”
With 24/7 medical supervision, a dedicated team of medical professionals, and hundreds of trained volunteers, Camp Simcha is uniquely equipped to meet the complex physical and emotional needs of these children.
This summer, more than 1,000 children from across the United States and around the world will experience the magic of Simcha, whether at the flagship overnight camp in Glen Spey, NY, or through Camp Simcha Without Borders programs in Chai Lifeline regions across the country, including Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, Lakewood, and Deal.
To support the children of Camp Simcha, visit www.chailifeline.org/simcha.
