Meet our Executive Director, Michael!

Shalom, Gilboa community!

My name is Michael Auerbach (he/him), and I am beyond thrilled to be joining Machaneh Gilboa as your new Executive Director. While I may be new to this incredible kehilla (community), I arrive with deep roots in the values that make Habonim Dror so special — and an unshakeable belief in what we can build together.

Over the past decade, I've had the privilege of leading mission-driven organizations at the intersection of Jewish identity, social justice, and youth empowerment. As City Director of Repair the World Los Angeles and Co-Founder of Kinful — a global social-emotional learning program — I've seen firsthand how transformative it is when young people are given the tools, the space, and the community to grow into changemakers.

That's exactly what excites me most about stepping into this role. Camp Gilboa isn't just a summer camp — it is a living expression of our Habonim Dror values: social justice, equality, coexistence, and hagshama (the actualization of our values). I can't wait to work alongside all of you to cultivate an inclusive, vibrant, and fun camp experience where our youth are empowered as leaders to explore and express their Jewish values — and to go out into the world as advocates for a radically just society for all peoples.

To our parents, donors, and supporters: your investment in Camp Gilboa is an investment in the next generation of Jewish leaders. I am humbled by your trust, energized by our shared mission, and deeply honored to serve this community. I look forward to meeting each of you very soon.

B'yachad (together), let's build something extraordinary!

Michael Auerbach, Executive Director, Camp Gilboa