CGI Montreal Reunion Draws Over 275 to Crown Heights
CROWN HEIGHTS, NY - Over 275 campers and staff from Gan Yisroel Montreal (CGI Montreal) gathered in Crown Heights this week for a reunion celebrating the summer of 5785. The event, organized by Counselor Schneur Jordan, provided a nostalgic evening of shared memories and reaffirmed the strong bonds forged at the camp.
The reunion featured a program designed to transport attendees back to their summer experiences. Following a series of camp songs, a highlight of the evening was the debut of a professionally recorded song written by Counselors Nussy Meijers and LT Yossel Mellul during color war.The song, “Oh, I can’t say farewell-to Gan Yisroel,” resonated deeply with the crowd, prompting a spontaneous singalong. “Oh Gan Yisroel, I want to stay here!” campers and staff sang together.
Attendees also viewed the final “weekly video” of the last days of camp, skillfully edited by Counselor Shmaya Pruss, and participated in a trivia game featuring photos from throughout the summer. the evening culminated with the distribution of personalized journals created by Counselor DovBer bernstein, containing heartfelt goodbye letters from counselors and learning teachers, as well as humorous “If I got a Dime everytime…” lists.
The event underscored the lasting impact of Gan Yisroel Montreal, with many campers already anticipating the summer of 5786. Tearful goodbyes were exchanged as parents picked up their children, with contact information readily shared amongst attendees.
The staff of 5785 extended their gratitude to Counselor schneur Jordan for organizing the reunion and to Camp director Rabbi Yisroel Mockin, alongside his father Rabbi Berel Mockin, for their leadership of Gan Yisroel. The staff concluded with a hopeful wish to meet again “in the Gan Yisrael Sheb’yerushalem with Moshiach Now.”
