Since 1984, the “Israel Victims of War” (IVOW) Association has been providing Israeli Bar and Bat Mitzvah aged children who have been affected by war, military service and terrorism, with the unique opportunity to spend a month in Canada during the summer. Created by Moshe Borek, a member of Montreal’s Jewish community, the IVOW Program has benefited over 2,000 Israeli children to date. Currently, it hosts approximately 80 Israeli youths every year.
The program provides Israeli children coming of age under difficult circumstances with a memorable experience, and a unique opportunity to build new relationships. They attend a Montreal area camp for three weeks where they meet Canadian campers and get to experience what it is like to attend a Canadian Jewish summer camp. For the fourth week of their trip, the group participates in exciting and meaningful activities in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, before returning home to Israel.
The program also strengthens the existing bond between Israel and the Canadian Jewish community. Canadian campers are reminded of the community’s continual bond with Israel, and can gain a better understanding of the hardships that still exist for their Israeli peers. For the Israeli children and their families, it is a reassuring reminder that the Canadian Jewish community cares for their well-being and appreciates the sacrifices made by them.
IVOW Association is a non-profit registered Canadian charity. Everyone involved is a volunteer, including the Israeli staff who accompany the group to Canada. Therefore, funds raised are directed 100% toward the program.
The IVOW Team
The Board of Directors
Members
Israeli Representatives
Ovi Ben Haim
Irit Gross
Arik Gross
Terri Davis
Tzippy Buchris
Moshe Zaguri
Yochi Dvori
Jane Marcus
Hadas Aviv
Sagit Klapholz