Federation Helps Strengthen Israeli Youth-at-Risk

Vulnerable Israeli youth ages 12-18 are receiving the attention and support they need to successfully integrate into Israeli society. Four Youth Villages, run by The Jewish Agency for Israel, Federation’s overseas partner, offer a variety of educational, clinical and social work services for those suffering from severe emotional, behavioral and family problems. The adolescents — mostly boys who are immigrants — receive a wide range of therapies and social services with an emphasis on independence, Jewish values and reaching one’s potential.

The Youth Villages' approach is based on a holistic, multidisciplinary circle of care, which includes educational support, customized intervention programs, intensive mentoring and a variety of enrichment activities, combined with the values of Zionism and social activism. Alumni receive ongoing services from The Jewish Agency, including guidance on employment and finances, scholarships for vocational and college studies and assistance preparing for college entrance exams. Since the establishment of the Youth Aliyah movement in 1933, the villages have educated at least 300,000 children.

For more information on how the Israel and Overseas Department helps carry out the Federation Mission, click here.