With All Our Heart

An oasis of calm, joy, and renewed strength in the heart of Jerusalem

Chabad’s Terror Victims Project (CTVP) “Camp of Heroes” gives bereaved families a summer respite filled with love, strength and unforgettable experiences—a warm embrace that remains long after summer ends.

The lights of modern Jerusalem blend with the ancient lights of the Old City. The gentle voice of singer Menachem Shukron mingles with the clinking of silverware and the warm hum of conversation as a soft evening breeze drifts across the terrace of Jerusalem’s Leonardo Plaza Hotel.

Someone walking in might think they had stumbled upon an elegant wedding. Beautiful tables, music, fine food—everything meticulously arranged.

But then Lt. Colonel Moshe Grunberg, a reserve battalion commander and member of Chabad’s Terror Victims Project, rises to speak.

Suddenly, it becomes clear what this evening is really about.

It is an expression of love—a heartfelt embrace for families who have lost what was most precious to them in defense of the Jewish people and the Land of Israel.

These are the families of Israel’s heroes.

This is the final evening of CTVP’s “Camp of Heroes,” a unique summer retreat for bereaved families.

A Journey of Comfort and Strength

For these mothers and children, everyday life carries unimaginable pain.

Widows are raising children alone. Children are growing up without their fathers.

But for a short summer getaway, they did not have to carry that burden alone.

For almost sixty years (since the aftermath of the Six Day War), Chabad Youth in Israel and Chabad’s Terror Victims Project have carried out the mission entrusted by the Lubavitcher Rebbe: to stand beside Israel’s victims of terror and war and their families with unconditional love and unwavering support.

CTVP is there throughout the year—for holidays and milestones, painful anniversaries and ordinary days.

And during the summer, too.

For a short while, “Camp of Heroes” became an oasis of calm, happiness, and renewed strength, combining activities, excursions, exceptional hospitality and sensitive emotional support with the unique Chabad Ahavat Yisrael.

A Very Big Heart

Perhaps nothing tells the story better than the families themselves.

“We wanted to say a huge thank you for such a thoughtful and beautifully organized retreat,” wrote Efrat. “It was obvious how much thought—and, above all, how much heart—you put into every detail.”

Another mother described how difficult it was at first to meet other bereaved families. “But as the days went on, we realized how much strength, hope and happiness we were receiving from this extraordinary atmosphere and from Chabad’s enormous heart.”

For the children, there was another powerful dimension.

They met other children who understood their loss without needing it explained. They played together, laughed together and formed friendships. In discovering they were not alone, they discovered new strength.

“My children came home glowing,” wrote Dana. “They had time to connect, to make friends—and to see the incredible power of life, despite everything.”

The Embrace Continues

As the final evening drew to a close, it was clear that “Camp of Heroes” was much more than a summer retreat.

For Chabad’s Terror Victims Project, it is one link in a much longer chain of love and support.

Standing beside these families does not begin when summer vacation starts—or end when the suitcases are packed.

It is an ongoing commitment.

Throughout the year, CTVP continues to accompany and embrace Israel’s widows, orphans and bereaved families.

Sometimes healing means a quiet conversation. 

Sometimes it means giving a mother a few free hours when she does not have to carry everything alone. 

Sometimes it means giving a child the freedom to laugh and simply be a child.

And sometimes it means reminding these extraordinary families of one simple truth:

You are not alone.

The Jewish people are with you.

And we will continue to be with you—with all our heart.