Dear CSL Community:
It is with great pleasure that I announce our CSL in Israel
Team. Joy Getnick, returning as the director of the program, has put together a
fantastic team consisting of long time CSL staff Alyssa Krantzberg and Michael
Lape. I couldn’t be more excited
for this trio and I can’t wait for our teens to get know them.
Joy is the year-round Director of Jewish Programming at the
JCC of Greater Rochester and brings extensive experience to CSL in both
teen-trip leading and Israeli trip leading. Joy shares her excitement for the trip with the following,
“I
could not be more excited to spend another summer with CSL in Israel. The program is incredibly
powerful. The teens are surrounded
by the depth and beauty of Jewish history, culture, and heritage, as they
simultaneously become immersed into modern Israeli life. A teenage summer in Israel is always magical. A teenage summer in Israel with your
best friends from camp is indescribable.”
Joy has a PhD in History and is currently teaching the history of the
Arab-Israeli Conflict at SUNY Geneseo.
She is also teaching a Melton course on the subject for the Rochester
Jewish Federation.
Alyssa is currently studying Geography at McGill University
in Canada, and has been a CSL staff member for several summers, most recently
as our Waterfront Specialist in 2013.
When asked about her excitement for the trip this is what she said,
“This
will be my fourth summer as a staff member at CSL, and I could not be more
excited to help lead the Israel trip this year. I visited Israel for the first
time when I was 13. While it was fun, it wasn't until this past summer on
Birthright that I was able to build a real connection with Israel. My leaders
and the soldiers who toured with us showed me a side of the country I hadn't
seen before. They helped me foster a sense of belonging and community, and
ultimately helped me understand its importance. I can't wait to help the CSL
campers discover Israel and make new memories with them!”
Michael spends his non-Camp months as a student at the
University of Buffalo. This past
summer, Michael was part of our Mohawk staff and Assistant Athletics Head
Specialist. He’s clearly excited,
as well.
“Words can't even begin to describe how excited I am to be part of The
CSL in Israel program this year. Over the past three summers, I have had the
tremendous privilege of watching these campers grow into a phenomenal group of
kind, compassionate, and hilarious young adults. Having never been to Israel
before, I viewed this as a golden opportunity to further connect with the these
teens while immersing myself in the culture of one of the greatest countries in
the world. I have no doubt in my mind that these five weeks will be the most
incredible five weeks of my entire life.
Can't wait to see all of you!”
CSL is thrilled to have Joy, Alyssa, and Michael as our team
leading this incredible journey.
All the Best,
Aaron Cantor, Director
