There are countless explanations for why summer camps are good for kids. They’re said to build social and emotional skills, independence, collaboration, confidence, inclusion, and belonging. But what happens when camps support a genocidal State? And what happens when their leadership is unapologetically Zionist and anti-Palestinian?

In Ontario, camps received accreditation from the Ontario Camps Association. The OCA “supports, advances, promotes and accredits camps throughout Ontario.” Its values include integrity, respect, responsibility, inclusiveness, caring, and openness. However…The Executive Director, Joy Levy, is a Zionist who publicly supports Israel, its military, and promotes anti-Palestinian racism. She has:

• Posted several photos holding a flag with the symbol and name of the “Israel Defense Forces”.
• Posted a photo of a sign that read “FREE PAGERS 4 TERRORISTS”.
• Visited a military base 1 kilometre from Gaza, during the ongoing genocide.
• Posted a caption that implied Palestinians and those that support them are not “human beings” and do not know “right and wrong”.

In May 2025, Levy also posted about raising $20K to bring Israeli staff to Canada. This was reportedly done in collaboration with Camp Canada. Not only was Levy in attendance, but so was Lea Randall and Jenna Purther, two other OCA staff members.

All of this raises serious concerns about Levy’s leadership ability at OCA. But, clearly, it is not isolated to Levy. In addition to other staff, the Board of Directors also seem implicated. OCA published a “Statement on Antisemitism” (updated in 2025 by the Board and Levy). In that, they promote the IHRA definition of antisemitism. They also state, “our primary concern is always the safety and well-being of campers, and we work continuously with our members to strengthen the inclusive experiences that define the camping world.” Finally, they cite to resources from B’nai Brith, CIJA, and Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center — all of which espouse pro-Israel, Zionist perspectives. There are only two other statements on the OCA website; one on the “Forest Fires” and another regarding the “Vancouver Lapu Lapu Tragedy.” But, the issues are not isolated to one person or association.

We have identified at least 17 overnight summer camps throughout Canada that support the State of Israel. While all 17 camps show support for Israel in one way or another, 3 of the camps in Ontario have expressed their explicit support for the Israeli military.

• Camp Northland B’nai Brith hosted Barak Malichi, a member of the Israeli military who has posted clips of himself in Gaza ‘joking’ about eating humanitarian aid.
• Camp Moshava Ennismore’s Head Chef in 2023 was a “chef in the IDF for 3 years.” Their Head Chef in 2024, Yehudah Jacobs, is the founder of the non-profit Smiles for the Kids “which feeds IDF soldiers weekly…” They’ve also hired individuals living in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, such as Chaim Marcus who lives in Gush Etzion. In this case, Marcus was also an member of the Israeli military, on “the front lines”, in October 2023. Camp Moshava Ennismore also hired a “Duvdevan IDF commander” and his wife in 2023 for “special programming.”
• Camp Timberlane has posted at least one photo with a member of the Israeli military in Israel. They are part of OneFamily Canada which actively fundraises for “war relief” efforts. (The Director of Camp Timberlane, Corey Mandell, also appears to be close with Doug Ford).

These camps all have OCA accreditation. This MUST end. The OCA Board of Directors must take action. Both against their ED, Joy Levy, and to revoke the accreditation of these camps. Send an email now!

Endorsed by: Just Peace Advocates, Palestinian and Jewish Unity, Palestinian Canadian Congress, Ontario Palestinian Rights Association, and the Canadian BDS Coalition & International BDS Allies