On July 22, Camp Lavi took part in rallying against the Iranian nuclear deal along with thousands of people throughout New York City, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Fort Lauderdale. Director Joey Hoenig introduced the in-camp rally and explained the importance of Lavi’s participation. A short video was shown, demonstrating the history of Iran and its relationship with both Israel and the United States. Rabbi Eitan Schnall, Rosh Kollel in Camp Lavi, gave a powerful speech that related the current events to the nine days leading up to Tisha B’Av. The dual message of turning to Hashem in tefillah, as well as putting in our own efforts to do whatever we can, resonated throughout the camp. Rabbi David Schwartz led the camp in meaningful Tehillim and Kayla Bluman closed the program with a short speech. To follow up on the rally, she organized an activity for each camper and staff member to write letters to their local senators.

Leading into Camp Lavi’s theme of Achdut, Jewish unity, there was a definite sense of oneness in camp on that day, as well as a strong connection to the thousands of Jews across the world at large.