A Helping Hand for Children in Crisis

Since October 7, 2023, nearly 350,000 Israeli men and women have been called to active duty. For many families, this means one parent is away for extended periods, leaving a significant emotional impact on the children. That’s why Yad Ezra V’Shulamit is stepping up, doing everything possible to provide these children with the support they need.

Yad Ezra V’Shulamit pitches in

A recent article in the Mako online newspaper polled families in this difficult situation. According to 84 percent of the parents, their children are “experiencing emotional distress.”

Although Israeli reservists receive a salary, for small business owners it can be significantly less than their usual income. As a result, many families face greater financial hardship, with some even falling below the poverty line.

In addition, one less parent means that many households are now “one parent families.” This places a great burden on the “remaining” parent who now must do it all.

Yad Ezra V’Shulamit’s after school centers are making a difference. Here, children receive daily hot meals, tutoring, winter clothing, school supplies, therapies, mentoring, and even loaves of bread with spreads to ensure they have sandwiches for the next day. Most importantly, they are showered with something invaluable—a lot of love.

“Our organization stops at nothing.” Yad Ezra V’Shulamit Founder Aryeh Lurie claims. “Ever since the war began, we have been right there to support the growing needs. This includes
support for impoverished children, orphans, widows, and soldiers.”

The importance of the Yad Ezra V’Shulamit centers

Despite the growing needs across Israel, the shortage of psychologists and educational counselors is deeply felt. This makes the support provided by Yad Ezra V’Shulamit’s after-school centers a true blessing for many children and their families.

“You can change a child’s world by filling his basic needs for food, help with homework,
therapies, proper school supplies and clothing and a lot of love,” Lurie explains, “If we don’t
reach these kids, it is a short road to the streets. If everyone does a little, whatever they
can, we can give these kids a great future.”

The war has taken a heavy toll, and today, more children than ever need our help to cope and recover. Now is the time to come together and make a difference—your support can bring hope and healing to those who need it most.