The International Astronautical Congress hosted by the Israel Space Agency to be held in Jerusalem will include a special Space Camp dedicated to children. IAC 2015 will take place from 12-16 October 2015 in Jerusalem.

Space Camp is co-organized by the HE Space Children’s Foundation (HESCF), a Dutch non-profit organization which provides all children access to education so that they can independently shape their own future; and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Youth Centre for Advanced Studies, which promotes dialogue between the University and the surrounding community; and co-sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation.

Space Camp is a unique opportunity where pupils from 11-14 years old learn how rockets fly into space, and are taught how experiments in space are so different than those that take place here on Earth.

This year it will be particularly special as children will be in attendance from different social, religious, and cultural backgrounds, providing a setting R”L for increased assimilation in Israel. Organizers are confident that Space Camp will represent the great center where both Jewish and Arab Israeli students will enhance their desire to learn more about space. This opportunity will hopefully prepare them for future challenges and spark their interest in science.

“Space for us at the HE Space Children’s Foundation is not just a destination; it is our destiny, as we believe it is for all mankind” said HE Space’s Chair Ms. Claudia Kessler. Furthermore, HE Space highlights the great importance they give to the multi-cultural aspect which they wish to see flourish in the future: “It begins on Earth, with education providing the universal tool to overcome all the meaningless artificial barriers like gender, race, cultural and social heritage” declares Ms. Kessler. “That is why we are especially proud to see that schoolchildren from Israel, sponsored by the HE Space Children’s Foundation are participating in this Space Camp.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)