Aug 6, 2025

Helping Israeli Students in Distress

With the start of a new academic year, Federation is helping Israeli teens who have been traumatized and displaced since October 7 find solace and support in a safe, supervised school environment. Since the war began, many teens have faced immense hardships, including disrupted lives, the loss of family members and friends, separation from their homes and support systems, a decline in personal resilience and family stability, loss of trust and an uncertain future — all of which have exacerbated at-risk behaviors. Now, as families return home, these young people need assistance to restore their personal, familial and communal resilience. Through our Israel Emergency Fund (IEF), ELEM – Youth in Distress is offering School-Based Breathing Space, an on-campus location where students can receive vital emotional support and openly share their challenges in a trusting, nonjudgmental environment. In this way, we are helping teens rebuild their trust, security and hope for the future. Click here to read a full list of IEF allocations thus far.