Tzofim Friendship Caravan

The caravan was founded in 1973.^[1] After a 3-year hiatus, the caravan returned to the United States in 2023 for its 50th anniversary. The caravan is supported by the Jewish National Fund.^[2][3] The goal of the caravan is to showcase Israeli culture and its cultural diversity^[4] and to strengthen the connection between Israeli and diaspora Jews.^[1]

Some participants in the caravan later became celebrities in Israel, including singer Aya Korem, actress Rotem Abuhav [he], and journalist Yuna Leibzon [he].^[2]

The caravan consists of three troupes of 10 16- and 17-year-old members of the Israel Boy and Girl Scouts Federation and two leaders, who travel across North America for 3 months over the summer each year, performing 45-minute concerts at Jewish summer camps, community centers, hospitals, nursing homes, and synagogues.^[4] The performances are in Hebrew, English, and Yiddish, and the signers dress in official scout uniforms, Middle Eastern clothing, and blue-and-white outfits.^[2][5]

Members of the caravan are chosen based on their performing talents, maturity, and English fluency. After selection for the caravan, they spend a year training and rehearsing.^[2][3]

The scouts stay at the homes of local Jewish families and synagogues, and community visits of the caravan are sponsored by the local Jewish federation,^[4] Jewish community center, and Boy Scouts of America.^[6]