Thousands of children affected by terror participate in resilience activities of the Jewish Agency: "To see them smiling and laughing"

The month of August began with a sign of hope, respite, and strengthening of mental resilience for about 2,000 children and teenagers from across the country who were affected by acts of terror and war. The starting shot for the special summer programs of the Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror took place at a huge event at Superland, with the participation of about 1,300 children, teenagers, and their family members from the North, the South, and all parts of the country.

These activities are made possible thanks to the generous support of Jewish communities around the world, led by the Jewish Federations of North America, Keren Hayesod, and other donors. The main goal of the programs is to give the participants — many of whom lost family members, were physically or mentally wounded, or were evacuated from their homes since the events of October 7 — moments of routine, joy, and connection with their peers who are dealing with similar challenges.

Rehabilitative support throughout the year

"Children are always the object of our love, concern, and hope for a better future — and even more so in days of crisis and war. Activities that allow children and their families a breathing space and camaraderie provide hours of respite that allow children to be children and families to gather strength," said the Chairman of the Jewish Agency, Major General (res.) Doron Almog.

The Jewish Agency's Fund for Victims of Terror, which has been operating since 2002, provides multi-dimensional rehabilitative assistance that includes emergency grants, group therapy programs, summer camps, and resilience activities. Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, the fund has dramatically expanded its activities and provided assistance to more than 35,000 victims in total, and over 23,000 families, in a total amount of tens of millions of dollars.

"To see them smiling and laughing"

Chair of the Fund for Victims of Terror, Ayelet Nahmias-Verbin, shared with excitement from the opening event:

"The continuation of security instability creates rehabilitative challenges we have not known before. Seeing over a thousand children and their family members running between the facilities, smiling and laughing, causes the team and me special excitement. The ability to provide moments of relief to children and families is a great privilege for all of us."

The resilience and respite activities are expected to continue throughout the month of August, as part of a cross-border mutual guarantee that continues to strengthen the future generation of the State of Israel.