50 Children from Jerusalem to Experience Summer Camp in Morocco
In an exciting initiative, 50 children from Jerusalem are preparing to journey to Morocco to take part in the annual summer camp organized by the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency. This year's camp, set to run from August 12 to August 26, 2026, is held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, the President of the Jerusalem Committee. The preparations for the 17th edition of the camp, aptly named 'Lighthouse of Peace,' culminated in a series of exemplary activities conducted at the Moroccan Cultural Center 'Bayt Al-Maghrib' in the Old City of Jerusalem and at Hassan II School in Wadi Al-Joz. The activities included football training for boys, basketball for girls, and the formation of artistic and talent groups, showcasing a holistic approach to children's development.
The Moroccan camp will kick off next Wednesday at the coastal resort of Skhirat, located on the outskirts of the capital, Rabat. The opening will feature a model workshop focused on education and awareness about the safe use of technology and digital messaging, led by experts from the Moroccan National Commission for the Protection of Personal Data. Spanning three days, the summer school will embrace the theme 'We Learn.. We Create.. We Aspire with Hope for the Future,' bringing together Palestinian and Moroccan children. It will feature exhibitions and competitions facilitated by the 'Haya' platform for children and youth, an electronic initiative sponsored by the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency, designed to promote the values and virtues of Jerusalem through interactive animations, magazines, and augmented reality drawings.
Building Bridges Through Cultural Exchange
Sam Al-Araj, the head of the mission to the Moroccan camp, expressed optimism about the experience awaiting the children. He highlighted that the 50 participants from Jerusalem had engaged in a preparatory program filled with diverse activities such as folk dancing, football, basketball, music, and drawing. Al-Araj stressed the importance of this experience, which not only allows the children to bond with their Moroccan peers but also enables them to share the culture and stories of Jerusalem. He emphasized that such events open new horizons for the children of Jerusalem, who continue to nurture hope despite their challenging circumstances.
Meanwhile, camp coordinator Zahra Abu Tayr expressed her belief that this participation would be a unique experience for the children, particularly since many of them have never had the opportunity to travel before, amplifying their excitement to explore Morocco's rich culture and heritage. Mohammed Amira, the father of one of the participating students, noted that his daughter’s involvement was encouraged by the positive feedback from previous camp experiences, which foster connections between Morocco and Palestine, particularly in support of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. He believes this opportunity will significantly contribute to his daughter's personal growth.
Amira further anticipated that his daughter would gain new experiences while discovering a supportive brotherly nation that stands by the Palestinian people and Jerusalem, immersing herself in Moroccan culture and traditions. He expressed gratitude to King Mohammed VI for his unwavering support for the youth of Jerusalem and thanked the Moroccan government and the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency for their assistance to the families and students of Jerusalem. Similarly, the mother of participant Sara Abu Taleb highlighted the pressures faced by children in their current circumstances, which motivated her to support her daughter's participation in the camp, viewing it as an essential opportunity for personal development and a chance for her daughter to return with newfound strength and experiences.
Other participants expressed their eagerness for the upcoming adventure. Kareem Dawood, one of the children, stated that his goal for attending the camp is to change the stereotypical narrative surrounding the suffering of Jerusalem's children and to instead showcase their dreams and aspirations, emphasizing that they aspire to become football players, doctors, and scientists. He extended his gratitude to the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency and King Mohammed VI for hosting the children of Jerusalem and allowing them to represent their city. Another participant, Mahmud Arar, shared his excitement about visiting Morocco and meeting Moroccan children, while Janet Awad expressed her joy in making new friends through the camp, appreciating the camaraderie evident among participants and mentors.
The annual Jerusalem Children's Camp, initiated in 2008 under the directives of King Mohammed VI, represents a significant social and educational program implemented by the Al-Quds Bayt Mal Agency. It aims to develop the capabilities of children and youth, enhance cultural communication, and provide opportunities for interaction and exchange with their peers in Morocco.
As reported by yaffaps.com.
