Culinary Pioneers: Nourishing Resilience Amidst Conflict

When Cammy Bourcier hops onto a plane next year, she’ll be leaving behind her husband, two adult sons, and a busy life in New Jersey for a yearlong adventure of a lifetime in Israel’s Galilee. Like 14 other students from around the world, Cammy will be part of the inaugural class of the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF (GCI by JNF), taking part in an intensive 12-month community immersion and culinary arts diploma program like no other. While the war may have delayed the opening day, it hasn’t put a damper on the students’ excitement or enthusiasm.

“I feel a bit like a pioneer,” said Cammy, “I’m so looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things. It’s an adventure of a lifetime.”

Born in Israel, Cammy was the only child of Holocaust survivors who moved their family to New York when she was still young. While her professional career led her to journalism and marketing, her true love has always been food.

GCI by JNF forms an integral part of Jewish National Fund-USA’s Go North strategy to develop Israel’s northern frontier and bring economic prosperity to the people in the region. “I want to be in Israel right now,” she says adamantly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The GCI by JNF students will live in beautiful dorms on the grounds of a picturesque kibbutz and study on the beautiful, new 25,000-square-foot Marvin Sukonik Campus, at the Rosenfield School of Culinary Arts. The intensive year will introduce them to a wide range of culinary experiences, including restaurants, winemaking, working on ecological farms, chocolate making, and delving into the 82 nationalities that make up the diverse cultural tapestry that is uniquely Israel.

Zero Cancellations

According to Bazy Rubin, student concierge for GCI by JNF, not one of the aspiring students, ranging in ages from 20 to 70 years old from Israel and around the world, have dropped out of the application process.

“The students tell us: ‘We know there’s a war today. We’re not concerned—we know there’s tomorrow. Just tell us where and when, and we’ll be there.’”

Rubin says that the students’ attitude has been inspiring for everyone, herself included.

“As someone who lives in Israel, and whose husband has been in the army for the last few months, to see that GCI by JNF is pushing forward and building something that’s going to change the North has been a huge source of comfort,” she says. “Philanthropic investing with Jewish National Fund-USA is so rewarding because of strategic visionary work like this, which has always been one of our organization’s cornerstones.”

“October 7 Strengthened My Decision”

Elissa Fadell from Atlanta, a mother in her 50s with two daughters, has a passion for cooking and is excited to experience such a different lifestyle. She chose GCI by JNF in part because of its location.

“October 7 didn’t affect my decision to come,” she says. “If anything, it strengthened it.”

“It’s more important than ever to live a joyous, proud Jewish life. That’s what I intend to do at GCI by JNF in the Greater Kiryat Shmona area.”

Overwhelmed by Optimism

As the time gets closer for the students to begin their studies, they are excited about the connections they’ll make and the people they’ll meet.

“I am completely overwhelmed by the optimism being expressed by GCI by JNF, despite the war” says Cammy. “That is a true picture of Israel that needs to shine.”

To register, study, book an event, or learn more, visit galileeculinaryinstitute.com