The Migdal International Jewish Family Retreat Halom 26 in Brasov, Romania August 20-30 was a great success and a bright example of international unity during the ongoing war in Ukraine. We embarked on a journey of compassion and support when we brought children and families to Halom 26 right after severe rocket and drone attacks on Odesa and close regions this summer. Regardless of war caused stress, trauma, difficulties associated with getting out of a war zone, complicated long travel from Ukraine to Romania through Moldova by bus, Halom 26 became an unforgettable, very special, one of its kind unique experience for all participants. It felt like a fairy tale coming out of a place with sleepless nights, loud sirens, streets filled with pieces of broken windows shattered from explosions to Aro Palace, a 5 star historic hotel in the heart of a very beautiful Romanian town of Brasov overseeing Carpathian mountains and its historic medieval quarter.
The 75th Anniversary of the formation of the state of Israel was a main Theme of Halom 26. We learned that even though more than half of the Jewish population of the world lives outside of Israel, it is a country that lives in the heart of every Jew no matter where they are, and that we all are responsible for each other. This was especially important to realize when the Jewish Community of Brasov, Romania extended its helping hands to the Jewish Community of Odesa, Ukraine, and demonstrated strong international unity during these times. Each day of Halom 26 was filled with our unique programming and highlighted by the theme of the day every evening. Our Opening Ceremony was dedicated to Israel’s 75th Anniversary, then, following the days’ themes were about Jerusalem, the History of Israel from Abraham to Golda Meir, Israeli Cuisine, Israeli Cultural Mosaic, Israeli Innovations and Technologies, the History of Zionism, Declaration of Independence, Odesa and Israel, Hebrew Days and Symbols of the State of Israel, the Wonders of Israeli nature and the cities of Israel, and, finally, Modern Israel.
Halom 26 hosted events in 4 age groups as well as joint activities for everyone. Each day consisted of 3-4 sessions in each group and one evening event. Masterclasses and workshops ranged from art, music, choreography, Hebrew language to Rikudei Am, PlayBack theater and Personal Growth training with Tanya Brosh, who came to Halom 26 from Israel. Our two professional choreographers attended the “Mahole Europe” seminar at the Institute of Israeli Dance in London right before Halom 26 and shared their newly developed techniques with all participants. Sports, chess, swimming pool, psychological and osteopathic consultations, aqua therapy, lectures and discussions, quest games, hiking and exploring in Carpathian mountains, sightseeing, Shabbat Song session, and presentation of Shabbat Shalom participant movies were also a part of Halom 26 amazing experience.
On the 4th day of Halom 26, the Bucharest Jewish Community invited everyone to an unforgettable evening in their camp Beyahad (Together) for a welcome BBQ party. They created a very special atmosphere of warmth, friendship, prepared gifts for children, and made everyone feel at home. Friday night everyone was invited to spend Kabbalat Shabbat in the beautiful synagogue of Brasov with the Brasov Jewish Community. Finally, we also were joined by the local community in the Chain of Unity while celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day abroad. This was yet another very special demonstration of unity as everyone celebrated together and wished us the soonest victory.
Halom 26 was a great gift and a miracle to all participants. It turned out to be one of the best up to date, regardless of all obstacles and difficulties of organizing it under the extreme circumstances in a very short period of time. It was a very special, magical place of support, understanding, family atmosphere, friendship, collaboration, compassion, learning, and inspiration. We are very grateful to all organizations and individuals who helped to make this amazing experience possible, especially to Mosaic United Fund and Israeli Ministry for Diaspora Jews and Combating Antisemitism as well as to the Brasov and Bucharest Jewish Communities of Romania. Thank you to all who helped to take children and families out of the war zone in Ukraine this summer! We look forward to Halom 27!
