By Godfrey Israel, Abuja Nigeria

Since Camp Sarah commenced their program for Jews in Nigeria in August 2023, they have continued to give young Jews living in Nigeria the opportunity to experience the type of Judaism that does not basically ends in Mitzvoth and Tefilah. Through their programs, which includes summer camping and Jewish festival parties, they have continued to present opportunities for Jewish children and teenagers bellow 16 years to learn, practice and celebrate Judaism in a fun way—through playing of games that enhance their Hebrew learning, painting of Jewish history, singing, dancing and engaging in physical exercise as well.
This year’s Hanukkah celebration presented another opportunity for these Children to engage in events that carries a Jewish that is different from what they use to know and experience since their birth as Jews of Nigeria origin; an experience that has a lot of limitations, and one that is world apart from the Jewish experience of other Jews who are in Israel, America and Europe to be precise.
It was a joyous moment for everyone—both children and adult, as it was announced that Camp Sarah will organize a Hanukkah party during 2023 Hanukkah celebration. It was Debbie Isser, the Director of Camp Sarah that went around various Jewish Communities to announce the plan to organize the program. In Gihon Hebrew Synagogue where I witnessed her visitation; it was just few minutes after the morning Shacharit—as people where gathering in the hall for Kiddush that she walked in through the gate of the Synagogue beaming with smiles as her nature is. Sighting her, the whole Synagogue erupted with cheers of joy. Children were seen running around with joy definitely because they know that her coming cannot be a visit without something tangible for them. Women were seen exchanging pleasantries with her, while men were simple observing with smiles in their face; certainly waiting for women and children to finish giving her the type of welcome she deserves before they can have their turn before Kiddush can commence.
After the Kiddush and meal, the stage was free for Debbie to fill the itching ear of children especially, who can be seen talking to themselves with excitement after continuous glancing at the mother of Camp Sarah family who sat few meters away from them. Just as they were expecting, she did not only gave them biscuit she came with; certainly a gift from United State where she just returned from few days before coming to the Synagogue. She also gave everyone the news of an event Camp Sarah wants to organize during the Hanukkah festival.
Her massage was quit shot but direct; as she sat down before people could finish reacting to her message. Probably because it was not a time for speech rendering, rather it was a mere information passing time. Despite all these, her short message was meet with cheers from children who seem to be waiting for news like this. Even without the venue for the event having not been finalized, and Hanukkah still days ahead, the joy of Hanukkah can be seen radiating from the heart of the children present in the Hall.
While speaking, she highlighted that the event is to celebrate Hanukkah festival in a fun-full way. Also, she said the venue for the event is not yet decided; and that she will meet with leaders of communities and Camp Sarah workers to discuss and arrive at a final decision on issue of venue.
In her words; “I want to apologize for coming late today. What happened is that I missed the road, it was hard locating here and it made me to miss the Shacharit because I wanted to be during Shacharit.”
“I thank everyone here, I am so happy to be with you today. I just came back from United State, and my family and friends over there in US extended their greetings to you all in Nigeria. They ask me to greet you all.”
“What happened is that Camp Sarah wants to organize a Hanukkah party. You know Hanukkah is coming in few days. We want to organize a party with regard to that. So Camp Sarah is going to meet with leaders of Communities to decide on the venue where the party is going to be held.”
“Once more I thank all of you”
On behalf of the community, Elder Abraham Kelvin Dimunah, the Chairman of Gihon Hebrew Synagogue while thanking her, expressed gratitude to her for making it possible for Jewish Children in Nigeria to experience something which children in Jewish communities in countries like US experience. And also, he thanked her for what Camp Sarah is doing to see that Nigeria Judaism is built to notable standard.

Hanukkah Party at Tikvat Israel Synagogue

It was around some minutes pass 11am Nigerian time that busses loaded with children stated arriving the premises of Tikvat Israel Synagogue, a Synagogue located in Kubwa Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria. Camp Sarah workers which include Edna, Chisom, Olachi, Jessica, Yephet and others, who were in charge of the event were seen organizing these children to ensure orderliness. The children beaming with smiles on their faces were noticed to be eager to see the program commence as they walk into the premises; settling inside Camp Sarah Hall located in the venue of the event was all they did.
Some parents were also seen at the event despite the event being for children; probably to witness the event as some of them have not witness Hanukkah party since they started practicing Judaism. Also, some may have come to watch their children perform as some children were meant to make presentation of song during the event.
The event commenced with a speech made by Debbie Isser, the Director of Camp Sarah; where she retold the story of Hanukkah to the children— how it started and those who made the celebration of festival of Hanukkah possible from 2000 years ago. She also, highlighted the significance of Hanukkah in today’s world and in our individual life as well.
During Interview section with newsmen present at the event, Debbie highlighted how the program started and also told us about various activities that took place during the program as well as events Camp Sarah plans to bring to life in future.

In her words;
“We have over fifty kids from three different synagogues here. We have 35 Kids from Gihon Synagogue. We have 11 Kids from HaGadol International Synagogue and we have the rest from Tikvat Israel as well. “
“We started the program by re-telling the Hanukkah story to the children. We talked about what Hanukkah is all about. We talked about the holiday. That is what Hanukah is all about; the story behind it is about from 2000 years ago. And we talked about how it’s been celebrated today.”
“After that, children were organized, taught and supervised to make their own Hanukkia (a wooden Menorah made with piece of wood and metal bolt). In other to encourage and promote family hood which Hanukkah encourages too, because it’s a family celebration; children were organized family by family and siblings made Hanukkia together. We lighted it together and said blessings together.”
Also, we have children from Gihon Synagogue made a song presentation. It was so beautiful; the song is very wonderful. I love them. We also have two children made presentation on the story of Hanukkah each.”
“Because the tradition of Hanukkah is that you eat fried sweet food. We have food too. We ate fried food. There are two types of food. One from Nigeria snacks family—“kpus-kpus ‘as it is called. And the second food I personally made myself, which is of Eastern Europe origin. It is call Latkes—it’s a potato pancake use in celebrating Hanukkah. I made it myself.”
“After these, we divided the children into two groups. We have younger kids inside the Synagogue, they are painting Hanukkah objects and Torah stories which we printed in paper and shared to them. And we have the elderly kids playing Dreidel game inside the hall.”At the end of the program, each kid is going home with a Hanukkia and a packet of candle to join the celebration of Hanukkah in their homes. So they can light Hanukkah light in the homes.
When ask about the aim of the program and why Camp Sarah programs are children orientated; she said;
“As a religion, our history is important to us and we learn about our history by passing it from generation to generation. Many of the children are in school were they might be the only Jewish kid. So it’s nice for them to come together and feel like a part of larger community, not just in Abuja but in the world at large. We have the same tradition, the same holiday, and same virtue. We have same thing to eat and the same thing to play with. Hopefully this will make them love Judaism and learn about it together. It will make them not to be isolated as kids because they are Jews in a place Judaism is still new. They will know they are not alone as Jews wherever they are. That’s the reason”

On her message to Jews all over the world she said;
“You know, the story of Hanukkah is that of being proud as Jews and overcoming adversity. It is a celebration that helps us remember that when thing are tough; when our enemies are strong, we have always and will always overcome. Whatever adversity we face, we always overcome. So that’s my message for everyone.
On what to expect from Camp Sarah in future Debbie stated that they are planning to have more event organized during coming festivals and also, they have plans to organize leadership training for those working with Camp Sarah.
“We are planning to have more events organized during Purim, Passover and Shavout. We are also planning to hold leadership training for staff and volunteer of Camp Sarah in future. We want to empower them with capacity that will enable them organize Camp Sarah events in their various Communities.
Some leaders of Synagogue and parents present at the event expressed their joy and appreciation to Camp Sarah. Sar Habbakuk, the leader of Tikvat Hebrew Synagogue who was seen playing a fatherly role to all the children in the party express happiness and pointed out that Hanukkah is a celebration to appreciate God.
“What is happening is wonderful. Camp Sarah organized a Hanukkah Party for Children. It is the first time this type of event is happening in Tikvat Israel and I am happy. We are celebrating today to appreciate God for his miracle during the era of Judas Maccabee and also to affirm that Hashem remain our Elohim.”
“My message for Camp Sarah is that of appreciation; let them continue with what they are doing. It is a wonderful program. If they continue with this we will have better things ahead as Jews in Nigeria.”
To David Levi Abraham, the Leader of HaGadol International Synagogue Abuja; Hanukkah is a celebration of joy, gladness and victory over enemies of Jewish people and also, that of God showing mercy to His Covent people in time of adversity. He appreciated Camp Sarah for organizing such event which serves as a platform to unite Nigeria Jews.
“Hanukkah is about Joy and gladness. It is a celebration of victory given to the Jews in the days of our forefathers. God in his mercy did not allow the plot against Jews to materialize. It is all about miracle.”
“Kudos to Camp Sarah; It is a great thing indeed. It is a great way to unite Jewish Synagogues in Abuja. It is a very good way to bring us together. I know we will grow more as a Jews if we continue this way”

Parents are not left out on the list of people who showed appreciation to Camp Sarah. Speaking with one of them, she said that what she loved most is the fact that children are giving the opportunity through some tasks they performed to develop the ability to get things done when they were building the Hanukkia and when they were painting.
“I am so happy for this program. You can see our children having good time. You can see children exhibiting their talent as they are performing some task which is helping to develop them technically. I witnessed our children build Hanukkia. I watch them paint. I watch them playing the game of Dridol and I can tell you it was amazing to me and empowering to them. I thank Camp Sarah for presenting this platform for our children to celebrate, learn and develop.”
As the program was going on, we were able to speak with three children that participated in the Party. Baruch from HaGadol International Synagogue said Camp Sarah has given him the opportunity to meet his friends and also have fun in a program that is different from any other program he has attended before in his life.
“We came for the program of Camp Sarah. It is not just like every other program I have been to before. I wish we can continue to organize such event for kids so we can continue to meet our fellow Jewish children and celebrate and have fun together. I met my friends here and we are playing and having fun together.
“Also, the Hanukkah party has enabled me to learn to do Hanukkia for the first time. It’s a wonderful opportunity. I wish we can continue to organize such event during festivals. It will be good for us.”
Chidimma Miriam Levi from Gihon Hebrew Synagogue who wants Camp Sarah to continue organizing such programs for kids said she is very happy and having a lots of fun.
“How I am feeling now is wow; mind blowing. I am very very happy right now that this program is happening. I am feeling happy, am not sad and am feeling like I am in a good place where I should be. My message to camp Sarah is that they should continue to organize more programs for kids so that we can feel happier.”
“I encourage other children who are not here to come and join us so they can feel the happiness we are feeling today. I am having fun and they too can have fun with their fellow kids.”
Just like other kids we spoke with us, Vedus Shlomo from Tikvat Israel sent message to kids who are absent in the party, telling them to ensure they attend next time; saying the party is so joyous and fun filled as he play with is fellow Jewish children.
“I feel happy that I have the opportunity to joyfully play with my fellow Jewish children. We have fellow children from other Synagogues. I will first tell those who are not in this Hanukkah party that the party is so joyous and fun. Let them try endeavoring to join us next time.”
Finally, speaking with Jessica Dimunah, one the workers of Camp Sarah; beaming with smiles and radiating the joy of Hanukkah, after highlighting what happened in the program, she explained that Dridol game which the children played was all about sharing and by introducing it to kids they are being made to learn to share what they have with others.
“My name is Jessica Dimunah, I am a counselor in Camp Sarah Abuja Nigeria, and this is a very wonderful program for kids. We have Debbie tell us about Hanukkah in the beginning of the program. We have children build Hanukkia and we lighted it. Gihon Children also made presentation of songs. We have children held discussion on Hanukkah. We had snacks and after that we played Dreidel game which is all about Sharing and now we are in field with Children. It has been a joyous moment all through.”
At the end of the program, each kid received a gift of Hanukkia, one packet of candle, Dreidel and many coin chocolate to go home with. Laden with joy and memories of 2023 Hanukkah Party, and gifts they received, kids were seen joyously biding goodbye to each other as they board their bus to return home. To everyone present, Camp Sarah Hanukkah Party being a wonderful way to celebrate Hanukkah in a fun full way is a great success that has left a memorable experience in mind of kids and adults alike.
Godfrey Israel Ben Abraham is a Writer with over seven year’s experience. He is the owner of Kosher News World and a former News Writer with African Today News, New York and currently a guest writer with Jewish Nigeria. He has authored over five books which deal on Relationship and Self Development. He is also a song writer and a singer who is currently working on his International Album that will be release in 2024.

.