Evacuated Families Find a Home

Nearly 150 resident of southern and northern towns in Israel that have been evacuated found housing at WIZO Gan Vanof youth village.

At WIZO Gan Vanof Youth Village in central Israel, we are on the frontlines providing refuge and support for those affected by the ongoing war.

Our team has welcomed 106 displaced individuals from the South and the North, with 36 more expected tomorrow. We are committed to providing them with everything they need and to keeping everyone’s spirits high.

For the children, we have established a playroom to offer them a semblance of normalcy. We’ve organized activities and shows throughout the day, hoping to bring a momentary smile to their faces amidst these challenging circumstances.

For every family, we’ve provided a private room with clean bedding, towels, donated clothing and shoes, personal hygiene items, electronic devices when possible, and anything they’ve personally requested so that they can get through these difficult days.

Natalie, her mother Rachel, and her four young children were evacuated from Nahariya in the north — on the border of Lebanon — and has moved from shelter to shelter until they found a second home in WIZO Gan Vanof.

They live in a home that does not have a bomb shelter, like many Israelis, and staying mere kilometers from the border with Hezbollah-ruled Lebanon was dangerous and life-threatening. Many town in the north have been evacuated, and there is no return date in sight.

Natalie’s husband has been called up for reserve duty, which means she is left to care for their four kids by herself. She has no home, cannot work, the children are not in school, her husband is on the frontlines and in constant danger. It’s a terribly tough situation.

At the very least, at Gan Vanof, they have a safe, warm and supportive environment. The staff that usually cares for the dormitory students has turned their attention to caring for these families — mostly mothers and children. Since school is currently not in session in most of Israel, WIZO Gan Vanof’s dorms are empty.

For the time being, Gan Vanof is their home. WIZO is doing its small part for the war effort.