July 31 was the opening day for the 20th session of the International Jewish Children’s Camp “Shorashim.”

This year the camp is being held in a scenic corner of Ukraine, at the Vodograi resort of the village of Chinadiyevo, near Mukachevo city (Zakarpatya region). Almost 90 children from Ukraine and Belarus participated in the camp under the watchful eye of 15 workers from Ukraine, Georgia, and Israel. The Director of “Shorashim - Ukraine - 2013” is Natalia Bertosh.

The Shorashim project (also known as “Roots and Future of the Diaspora Jews”) is held by the Association of Jewish Communities and Organizations (VAAD) of Ukraine. The Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) was, as in previous years, the camp’s main sponsor as part of the EAJC program “Fostering Jewish Self-Awareness.” Financial support was also given by the Genesis Foundation and JAFI, as well as a number of private sponsors.

The opening ceremony began with a speech by EAJC General Council Chairman, VAAD Ukraine Chairman Josef Zisels, who congratulated the participants of the camp on its 20th anniversary. The participants were also greeted by the Director of the Mukachevo Jewish community Alla Agafonova.

The children will take part in an exciting educational program that will allow them to demonstrate their creative and intellectual skillls as well as to enjoy the beautiful Carpathian scenery, where much of the history of many peoples, including that of the Jewish people, had taken place. The program includes lessons in the history, traditions, and culture of the Jewish people, both residing in Ukraine and in Israel, clubs and interest groups, sports, bathing in hot springs, tours of places important to Jewish history and to other interesting cultural spots of Zakarpatye region.

A tour to Uzhgorod and a visit to the Kolochayevsk ethnographic museum “Old Village” are also included into the program. Old Village has an exposition dedicated to the everyday life of Zakarpathian Jews as well as other local ethnic groups. The tour is to take place thanks to the Rovt Family Charitable Foundation of Mukachevo City.

The camp will continue its work up until August 11.