As Bein Hazemanim approaches, organizers of summer camps for yeshivah bochurim in Israel say that preparations are moving ahead despite ongoing concerns over the possibility of arrests under Israel’s military draft law. They say the decision to continue the programs was made following consultation with leading gedolei Yisrael.

Speaking on Kol Chai Radio’s Tzav Ma’atzar program, camp director Moishy Safra discussed this year’s preparations with host Gudi Silman. Asked whether buses filled with bochurim could face police inspections or arrests while traveling, Safra said the issue had been carefully weighed by gedolei Yisrael, who concluded that the camps should proceed.

“The decision was that, at this point, the concern is not so significant. Certainly when traveling as a large group, the level of concern is not great,” Sapra said.

According to Safra, interest in attending the camps is actually stronger this year than in previous summers.

“There is a greater desire among the bochurim to go out,” he said, explaining that the war and security situation had significantly limited recreational outings in recent years, leaving many eager to take advantage of Bein Hazemanim this summer.

He added that, in his view, gedolei Yisrael place particular importance on the camps this year because “the bochurim need it more,” and because they want “to give the bochurim the feeling that they deserve it,” amid the public debate and the difficult circumstances confronting bnei yeshivah.

Safra also addressed the financial challenges facing many yeshivos following reductions in government funding.

“Clearly it has an impact,” he said, noting that “everything now requires more thought” in order to maximize limited financial resources.

Despite rising costs, he said the camps will continue operating this year, although participants in many cases will face higher fees. At the same time, organizations and private donors have stepped forward to help offset expenses.

“There are various sponsorships… because supporting yeshivah bochurim will strengthen the yeshivah bochurim, without question,” he said.

Silman used the interview to encourage business owners, swimming pools, adventure parks, and other organizations to support the camps financially and assist bnei yeshivah.

“We want to uplift the yeshivah bochurim,” he said.

Safra added that organizers currently do not anticipate significant problems with outings or trips because of potential arrests. However, he noted that the camps’ programming has been adjusted this year. In addition to the traditional recreational activities, the schedule now includes expanded Torah programming, inspirational talks, and kumzitzen focused on strengthening bochurim spiritually and helping them navigate the challenges they currently face.

While acknowledging that this year’s atmosphere is different and the circumstances more complex, Safra said the goal remains to conduct the camps in much the same format as in previous years, providing bochurim with a meaningful and uplifting framework during Bein Hazemanim while fostering confidence, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

{Matzav.com}