Summary of Peace Camp 2025

This year as well, the Friends of Open House summer camp took place in Ramla. The camp promotes values of mutual respect, humanity, and shared living. It is an educational project that has been operating continuously for 34 years, driven by a deep belief in the importance of strengthening relationships between Jews and Arabs in Ramla and Lod.

This year, the camp was held from July 1 to July 21, 2025, at Ben-Zvi School. Registration exceeded all expectations. A total of 90 campers participated, supported by 8 counselors and 10 volunteers, most of whom are former campers. These volunteers received training and guidance from us in order to assist, lead, and support this unique camp.

Due to the traumatic impact of the war, Jewish parents did not send their children to the summer camp. We had Arab children with also Jewish counselors. We saw this program, under the circumstances as Promotion of the Arab Child which has been one of the primary the purposes of Open House.

The activities throughout the camp were diverse and enriching, combining fun, group bonding, and meaningful learning. Activities included trips to the Ramla swimming pool, indoor activities with plenty of music in different languages, sports activities aimed at strengthening cooperation among the campers, as well as arts and crafts activities. In addition, we went on five engaging field trips, which the children greatly enjoyed and from which they gained unforgettable experiences.

One of the most interesting and meaningful indoor activities was “Countries of the World.” As part of this activity, the camp was divided into three groups, and each group chose a country from around the world. The campers learned about the culture, food, clothing, and language of their chosen country, and presented the knowledge they had gained during a joyful highlight day filled with color, intercultural familiarity, and experiential learning.

At the end of the camp, a festive closing celebration was held at the Open House in Ramla. The counselors took the lead and hosted the performance, while the children spoke about the experiences and values they learned in the camp, whose goal is to connect Jewish and Arab children. In addition, fun and high-energy dances were performed. The volunteers received certificates of appreciation, and we concluded by watching a moving video that summarized the camp’s journey.

It is important for us to emphasize:
We will continue to act, to make our voices heard, and to promote the path in which we believe—a path of respect, humanity, and shared living—so that we can continue to meet together, Jews and Arabs, within the framework of the Peace Camp.

Lutfia Gnime, 

Summer Camp Director