What Parents are Saying
"Havaya has been a life-changing experience for our daughter. Not only did she return with lifelong friends on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as a great appreciation for Israel and Judaism, but she also returned a happier, more confident and more spiritual young lady.
There are several unique features that differentiate Havaya from other summer programs to Israel. You will note that we intentionally do not refer to it as a "teen tour," as that would be a disservice to the program.
First off is the unique quality of the participants. The teens really are outstanding young adults. We fully attribute this to the detailed application process, which includes essays from the candidate, a personal interview and letters of recommendation. The teens that she has befriended and continues to keep in touch with on an almost daily basis are truly special. They are intellectually curious, and at the same time, great fun.
The second key attribute of the program is that approximately half of the participants are actually from Israel. There is no other program that I am aware of that offers such a unique experience. My daughter has much greater appreciation for Israel and its citizens. It is wonderful to see. Perhaps just as important, if not more so, the Israeli participants have a much better understanding of and appreciation for Americans. She keeps in contact with many of her Israeli counterparts.
The last key strength of Havaya is the program itself and how well organized it was. All participants were able to "experience" Israel and the U.S. at a very different level than most summer programs. In addition to hitting the usual "hot spots," the teens stayed in actual host homes, participated in a good amount of community service, celebrated Shabbat, observed Tisha B'Av and participated in religious services. Again, being able to share these experiences with teens from both countries allowed for a far greater experience in scope and breadth. Finally, the quality of the staff and the organization of the program was truly outstanding. The staff from 92nd Street Y was remarkable...friendly, loving, spiritual, easily accessible, well organized, etc. They have continued to be so, even today.
We really have nothing but positive comments to make about Havaya. We sent a sweet and loving young lady, yet one who had been trying to "find herself," and you returned us a sweet and loving, but far more confident and assured young lady with awesome new friends and a great appreciation for her religion and its homeland."
"Let me describe the impact the program had on our son: he came back stronger, more confident in himself and more mature.
He had a real, personal connection to Israel—and is still connected with the Israeli kids on the program. He is talking about becoming a doctor and working in Israel—who knows what he will do or become, but the Havaya experience gave him his first exposure to formulating dreams and thinking about how to actively pursue them. He has continued his involvement with Havaya social service programming in NYC; he is more active in our shul, having joined the youth group and doing social service work with them; and he has also organized a group in his high school to assist in providing medical equipment to African countries in need. I can state emphatically that Havaya had a significant and meaningful impact on our son."
"We saw a part of our children that we haven't seen before. A bond, a connection and a sincere love for one another—it didn't matter what age or gender; they had a true affinity for one another. It was like they knew each other for years!
The staff was great.
The program in Israel gave my son a real life experience living like an Israeli, the time spent in the States gave him a true sense of community service.
Offering this program to other deserving kids, I believe, would be a once-in-a-life time opportunity for them!
Thank you again for making this trip a reality for my son."
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"My daughter felt loved by the Havaya campers and counselors and was so comfortable with meeting new friends. She is still in contact with friends from Havaya in both Israel and the United States and talks to them regularly.
The quality of the students who went on this trip was amazing and it was magical to see their unique chemistry when they returned from the trip. She has developed a love and respect for Israel as a result of this trip. She still talks about the physical beauty of Israel, its warmth and history and her realization that she will always be connected to Israel as a Jew. Simply living in the United States is not enough. Her trip and time spent in Israel with the Havaya program put a whole new dimension on what could have been just a "summer camp."
What Past Participants Are Saying On Facebook:
- "I miss you, family!"
- "Truly the best four weeks of my life. Everything is so quiet at home and i need some Havaya NOISEEEEE"
- "When I'm looking back I'm hoping that we will do this again!! I had the best time ever! I love each one of you, miss you so much!!!!"
- "Hi cuties. I love you all so much. I miss you guys. Best summer evvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvver!"
- "I miss you all so much. It was the best summer in my life."
- "Love every one of you and miss you like craaazzy!"
- "Without Havaya, times are harsh and lonely, miss you guys so much."
- "Anyone know how to rewind time?"
- "I already miss you guys... it was a great summer!!!"
- "I miss you guys so much... it has been the best summeerrrr e-v-e-r. Love you all so muccchhh."
- "I think you guys are my anti-sickness 'cause I always feel better when I'm with y'all."