Staff Sergeant Barkai Yishai Shor, hy”d, was one of the most prominent figures in the Bnei Akiva Jerusalem Merkaz branch. He was a beloved counselor, and kindness was an inseparable part of his character. Among his roles in the branch, he was also responsible for volunteer activities. Shor enlisted in the IDF as a combat soldier in the Kfir Brigade, and while attending a squad commander course, he took part in Operation Protective Edge. During his service, Barkai and four of his comrades fell in battle with terrorists who infiltrated into Israel through a tunnel and attacked their guard post in the Nahal Oz area.
Barkai Summer Camp
Members of the branch where he grew up and played a leadership role in decided to follow his path of kindness and generosity by establishing a charity summer camp in his memory – the Barkai Camp. Over many months, branch members raised close to 90,000 shekels, with all of the branch’s annual proceeds automatically dedicated to the camp. In addition, the youth launched a crowdfunding campaign and frequently went out into the community to raise donations.
The Tenth Year of the Camp
A few days ago, Barkai Camp began its tenth year. Around 20 teenagers and young adults with special needs, aged 16 to 28, came to Ma’ale Adumim for a five-day overnight camp. Alongside them, about 40 older Bnei Akiva members from grades 9 to 12 served as counselors, Nachshon team members, and staff. Each participant was personally accompanied by two branch members throughout the entire camp.
The camp included a variety of activities – Cinema City, Ein Yael, the zoo, boating in Yarkon Park, inflatables, crafts, and more.
“A Generation of Heroes Not Only on the Battlefield, but in Deeds”
Bnei Akiva Secretary-General Yigal Klein said: “The so-called screen generation has been revealed to us in the past year and a half as a generation of heroes. A generation of heroes not only on the battlefield but also in deeds and action for others. The students who chose to dedicate their summer vacation to helping others and doing acts of kindness are truly a generation of victory.”
