Every Jewish Life Has Infinite Worth
Shema Yisrael, Inc. was founded on the belief that our shared responsibility to one another transcends borders, languages, and circumstance.
Founded on Faith. Driven by Action.
Shema Yisrael, Inc. was founded on the belief that every Jewish life has infinite worth, and that our shared responsibility to one another transcends borders, languages, and circumstance. We work where the need is greatest — delivering food, medicine, education, and dignity to those who need it most.
Guided by the timeless call of mutual responsibility and caring — the repair of the world — we have spent more than three decades building programs that meet people in their most vulnerable moments and walk with them toward strength, identity, and hope.
"Hear, O Israel" — these words have united our people for millennia. Today, they call us to act.
Camp Eitz Chaim: Oxygen for the Year
Among our most transformative programs is Camp Eitz Chaim — a network of summer camps that each year brings 2,500 Jewish children and teens across Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Romania, Germany, and Israel together for three weeks of wholesome fun, fresh air, and Jewish life.
Jewish children and teens in the former Soviet Union are growing up with the aftereffects of communism. Broken families, dysfunction, and difficult family dynamics are the norm. Camp provides a connection — often everlasting friendships — with counselors from America and Israel, and a chance to be in a wholesome, healthy Jewish environment.
For those from irreligious families, camp is a place where they can daven and keep kosher and experience Shabbos, many for the very first time in their lives. The impact endures long after the summer ends — in the child who begs for her own siddur, the teenager who chooses yeshiva, the family that becomes frum a generation later.
"Each one is a shining star"
— Etz Chaim Moscow camp song, 2025
What Guides Us
Mutual Responsibility and Caring
The repair of the world is not an aspiration — it is an obligation. Every program we run is an act of sacred responsibility.
Kavod HaBriot
Human dignity is non-negotiable. We deliver aid with respect, warmth, and the understanding that every person deserves to be seen.
Ahavat Yisrael
Love of the Jewish people drives everything we do — across denominations, geographies, and generations.
Kol Yisrael Arevim
All of Israel is responsible for one another. We take that literally — showing up wherever the need exists.
Trusted. Transparent. Accountable.
Shema Yisrael, Inc. operates with the highest standards of financial transparency and nonprofit governance. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Lawrence, NY
Shema Yisrael, Inc.
US 501(c)(3) — Tax ID# 41-4597470
Toronto, ON
Canadian Foundation for the Education and Welfare of Jews of the CIS
CRA Registered Charity — BN# 13750 8370 RR0001
Israel
Reshet Ahinuch Shema Yisrael
מוכר לצורכי מס לפי סעיף 46
Join Us in the Sacred Work
Every gift — at every level — is an act of the timeless call of mutual responsibility and caring. Help us reach the next family, the next child, the next community.
Make Your Gift