Dec 28, 2023

Youth Futures Supporting Mentors During the Israel-Hamas War

In the immediate aftermath of the Hamas attacks in Israel, as her husband was called to defend their country and her children remained terrified, Nurit Nissim’s thoughts turned to the welfare of mentors who work year-round with at-risk children through Youth Futures, and how she could support them. As the Director of The Jewish Agency for Israel’s Youth Futures program in Ofakim and Merhavim, Nissim was concerned about the emotional state of the mentors so they could, in turn, be there for the Youth Futures children and families. Through Nissim’s efforts, Youth Futures and The Jewish Agency, a Federation partner agency funded through the Annual Campaign, are ensuring that mentors and their families, as well as child participants and their families, are receiving resources, respite and ongoing support. Mentors work with up to 16 children on personal, familial, social and educational issues to give them tools to navigate challenges and celebrate achievements in a constructive way. Youth Futures empowers teens to serve as role models and helps families to flourish. Federation has also provided emergency funding to the Youth Futures program in Miami’s partnership city of Yerucham. Click here to watch a video featuring Nurit Nissim telling her story.