Donor Highlight

October 16, 2022

The North Louisiana Jewish Federation is proud to manage the Betsy and Michael Levy Fund for Henry S. Jacobs Camp. Michael grew up in Shreveport, attended Jacobs Camp (1983-1990), and is still in close contact with many of his camp friends. The camp experience was formative for his Jewish identity, and he wants to share that with other potential campers.

Betsy and Michael live in Atlanta, Georgia and are the parents of Lilly (17 years old) and Sophie (15 years old). Michael is Past President of Jewish Family & Career Services in Atlanta, and he and family continue to be involved in the Atlanta Jewish community.

Michael and Betsy set up the fund to be awarded to campers for the summers of 2022, 2023 and 2024. After careful planning with Federation member Helaine Braunig, they decided to focus on campers from B’nai Zion returning for a second or third year, or siblings of returning campers, since those characteristics are not usually covered by camp scholarships that typically focus on first time campers.

Campers who received Levy funds in 2022 were invited to share about their camp experience at a Back to School and Back from Camp Shabbat service at B’nai Zion in August. One recipient said her favorite part of camp was meeting the counselors, some of whom were Israeli, and getting to hang out with them. Camp Director Anna Herman is thrilled about the partnership: “Jacobs Camp has always been about continuing the tradition of Judaism in the Deep South. Michael and Betsy’s gift ensures that our future Jewish leaders experience and grow through a fun, immersive, Jewish summer camp experience. We are so grateful for their support.”

The Federation is grateful for this collaboration, and thanks the Levy family for their generosity and thoughtfulness.

If you are interested in learning more about making a donation for a specific project, please call or email the Federation for an individualized consultation.