From Cape Town to Camp: Yitzchak Hasson Finds Home at Sephardic Adventure Camp

Campers during Israel Day at Sephardic Adventure Camp

When Yitzchak Hasson arrived at Sephardic Adventure Camp this summer, he had already traveled halfway around the world — not just across oceans, but across cultures and communities.A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Yitzchak joined SAC as a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) for the first time, bringing with him the warmth and pride of South Africa’s Sephardic community.

“Two years ago, we had someone from Seattle visit South Africa to connect our shuls,” Yitzchak recalls. “A few of my friends attended SAC last year, but I couldn’t come at the time. So this year, I was very excited. Even though my friends couldn’t come this summer and I didn’t know anyone, I still couldn’t wait to be here.”

His excitement comes from more than just the promise of camp fun, it’s rooted in identity and belonging.

“I’m very connected to my Sephardic traditions,” he says. “My father is from Rhodes, and we attend a Sephardic shul in Cape Town. It’s a very close and connected community. My parents are so happy and supportive that I’m here, being part of Sephardic traditions and learning more about the culture and halaha.”

​​Global Connection

For Yitzchak, attending SAC has been a chance to see his heritage reflected on a much larger scale, something rare for him back home.

Yitzchak Hasson at Camp

“I’ve been attending Ashkenazi camps my whole life,” he explains. “They’re nice, but it’s different. Even at school, it’s only me and one other Sephardi kid, and we kind of have to do our own thing. Here, it’s amazing, we’re all on the same level, davening the same way and singing Sephardi songs together. I rarely get to do that.”

Despite being thousands of miles away from home, the melodies and customs at SAC have felt deeply familiar.

“There are some customs that are different for me,” he admits, “but a lot of the tunes are similar. It feels like a little piece of home. We use the same siddur as those in Seattle, and being from Rhodes, it’s an amazing feeling to be here with other Rhodeslies.”

A Bridge Between Communities

Yitzchak’s experience at SAC goes beyond personal connection, it represents a bridge between Sephardic communities across the world. From Cape Town to Seattle, shared prayer, music, and culture create a sense of unity that transcends geography.

“SAC is a very special and unique place,” he says. “It’s fun, meaningful, and inspirational — a mix of Sephardic learning, culture, and community. I 100% already feel like part of the SAC family.”

Yitzchak’s warmth and humor make it clear that SAC’s inclusive spirit resonates deeply with him.

“It took me a few days to make connections,” he says, “but now I’ve made amazing friends. This has been such a great experience. I’m really happy I decided to attend SAC and I would love to come back as a counselor.”

Carrying the Connection Forward

As Yitzchak looks ahead, his story reflects what makes SAC so remarkable, the ability to connect Jews from around the world through shared Sephardic identity, pride, and joy.

For one young man from Cape Town, SAC has been more than a summer at camp — it’s been a homecoming.

Learn more about Sephardic Adventure Camp and send your child there this summer by going to www.sephardicadvenutrecamp.org