Camp IBA Lends A Hand,

Last month, with bridges washed away, roads closed and homes destroyed, the communities in and around Sidney, N.Y. were in a state of emergency. Some areas around the Delaware River were up so high, the trees normally 100 yards away from the waterfront, were submerged. Homes were flooded, businesses were severely damaged and citizens were forced out of their dwellings to take refuge at the local elementary school.

Many teenagers from Bergen County, Long Island, Israel and elsewhere were able to witness firsthand, the plight of their upstate neighbors since they had arrived at nearby Camp IBA (a Jewish Basketball and Hockey Camp) before the torrential downpours. Although the camp was lucky enough to sustain no major damage from the storms, the campers felt they needed to help out their "summer" community. The senior division traveled to the Sidney Middle School, which was converted into a shelter and spent time playing basketball with and "getting schooled" by some of the local children. The local firemen suggested they bring along arts and crafts supplies for the younger children who were forced out of their homes and were bored being in "school" in the summer. In addition to the supplies, the IBA kitchen staff sent along food and drinks, prepared by the campers, to help feed the massive number of people who lost everything from the storms.

The local radio and television stations recognized IBA's material and spiritual donations. Chaim Cohen of Teaneck, N.J. stated, "It was quite a sobering scene walking around Sidney and seeing whole factories submerged in water. Part of Route 8, a major artery leading to the camp was washed away. Walking to this site and staring into the abyss really imprinted on the soul the absoluteness of the loss felt by the entire community."

Otsego and other surrounding counties have suffered through tremendous trials and tribulations due to the storms, and the camp was glad to lend support first hand. Said Efrat Singer, a counselor from Ra'anana, Israel, finishing her National Service for Israel, "We were so happy the community allowed us to help out in Sidney this summer. This experience was like winning the championship game at intercampus - only better."

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