We are delighted to share with you what was happening at our end during 2021.

First of all, the Ramle Municipality offered us the YRF grounds (Youth Renewal Fund) for our Summer Camp in Ramle itself. The mayor of Ramle, Michael Videl, considered the summer camp a public statement against the severe violence between Arabs and Jews during May this year which took the country in a storm of escalating events. As a result, the trust between Arabs and Jews in Israel was eroded as well as the sense of security of people walking the streets especially in the mixed cities. The Mayor had every interest to reestablish normalcy. Perhaps his attention and awareness helped to mitigate the damage in Ramle as compared with other mixed cities, and possibly the work of Open House throughout the years might have helped just a little bit..

Mayor Michael Videl receiving an acknowledgement from Open House staff

When we went to his office to thank him for having offered the beautiful building and grounds for our summer camp, as well as a free entrance to the swimming pool, he shared with us how he would go to points of friction in the city and stand physically between Arabs and Jews. Such activities as the summer camp, create trust and good citizenship, he said.

Our Summer Camp

Our summer camp took place July 4th to 22nd, with 60 participants according to the capacity of the space in the Municipal Center for the English language in Ramle.

The children were divided into three age groups according to age (9 to 13)and had two counselors, an Arab and Jew. The summer camp is by-lingual and conveys the values of equality and respect for the Other. On their day trips, they attracted attention and comments and often faced questions like–‘Do you still believe in peace?’ On the whole, they were looked at with wonder that such togetherness is possible under the circumstances (which I described above).

Naturally, the children had trips to children’s attractions like water parks, High Jump, the beautiful municipal Ramle pool, Cinema City, but there were also the indoor activities which included paiting, martial arts, exposure to the dances of other cultures, juggling and cooking.

2021 Summer Camp Counselors and Volunteers

Our young volunteers who had gone through the summer camp themselves accompanied the groups everywhere. The greatest excitement of the parents was the way their children woke up in the morning eager and looking forward to the day. Here are some extracts from the thank you letters. Here is what Nadia, Korin’s mother, writes:

‘words are not enough to express how thankful I am..your warmth towards the children.. it is obvious that your whole heart was in it..Korin woke up every morning looking forward to the summer camp…we, the parents, were kept in the loop of information every day…wonderful organization together with enthusiasm..we are already looking forward to next year InshAllah.’

‘ ..Rotem never wanted to miss a day..’

‘The staff and counselors were wonderful and did everything for the children to enjoy themselves and learn new things’

The parents were invited to Open House for the farewell party where the children gave performances, and drew a big puzzle to symbolize that they know they are a part of a great humanity.

The summer camp report is by Lutfia Gnimeh