Israeli Youth Declare: I am Here

WIZO Launches the “I am Here!” Project to Support Teens’ Growth from Crisis. Approximately 1,000 middle and high school students participated in the project’s educational activities across the country.

In the shadow of October 7, 2023, and the devastating war that followed, Israeli teens are growing up and maturing amidst challenges, loss, fear, uncertainty, and, at the same time, they are developing resilience and strength. They are demonstrating the remarkable ability to recover, rebuild, and grow as individuals and as a society.

The “I am Here” Initiative

WIZO launched the “I am Here” project to spark public dialogue with and about teens during this national crisis, focusing on growth from adversity. Believing in Israeli youth as a vital force for societal recovery, the project emphasized resilience, hope, and a commitment to change.

Project Activities

The “I am Here” project engaged around 1,000 middle and high school students, as well as educators, through educational initiatives, workshops and conferences in schools, youth movements, and WIZO branches nationwide. Activities took place during an intensive week from December 10-17 and will continue throughout the year.

The culmination of the week’s activities was an academic conference titled “Adolescence: Youth in Crisis Reality,” hosted by WIZO in partnership with Levinsky Wingate College. The conference offered guidance and tools for educators supporting teens during these challenging times and was held on December 17, 2024, at the Wingate Campus.

WIZO’s educational institutions serve around 6,000 students, including 400 Naaleh teens (youth immigrating to Israel before their parents) from countries such as Argentina, Russia, Ukraine, the U.S., Holland, and Germany. The institutions include five youth villages, eight schools, and three residential facilities.

Youth Voices

Abigail Gliksman (16), who immigrated to Israel with her two brothers a month before October 7, shared: “On October 7, my dad called from Mexico, asking us to stay alert as something was happening in Israel. Slowly, we began to grasp the reality. Here at WIZO Hadassim Youth Village, I feel safer than in Mexico. I serve as a Naaleh ambassador, sharing my daily experiences with teens considering aliyah. I don’t regret coming here for a second. I’m here, and I’m happy every day.”

Liel Zoharni (16) recalls her experience: “October 7 was the day after my birthday. What happened was absolutely crazy. My community, Karnei Shomron, is surrounded by Arab villages, and we were notified about terrorists infiltrating the area. We spent 12 hours in the shelter. It was the most horrible birthday I’ve ever had—fear, anxiety, and thoughts of dying or terrorists breaking into our home. Despite the terror, I decided to take action and joined the ‘Future Ambassadors’ program, learning to share Israel’s story on social media. My mantra is: you only live once, so don’t waste it. There’s nothing more rewarding than making someone smile. I’m here, and I’m here to stay.”

WIZO Survey of Teens in the Aftermath of the War 

Ahead of the launch of this project, WIZO commissioned a survey to assess Israeli teens’ connection to the Israel amidst today’s realities. Conducted by the Rosnik Institute, this online survey included 401 students from grades 9-12 nationwide, representing a random and diverse demographic of teens connected to the internet.

Key Findings

• Stronger Connection to Israel:61% of teens surveyed feel more connected to Israel since October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, 23% feel neutral, and only 12% feel less connected.
• Belief in Change:59% believe Israeli youth can make a significant difference in the country’s situation. 28% are unsure, and only 9% disagree.
• Optimism for the Future:45% of teens foresee a brighter future and expect the country’s situation to improve. However, 20% predict no change, 20% fear deterioration, and the rest remain uncertain.
• Emotional Responses:
  • 48% reported feeling compassion toward strangers, highlighting strong social and community bonds.
  • 45% experienced confusion, 35% felt nervous or tense, and 20% expressed empathy toward those around them.

WIZO Partners with Israel’s Professional Football League Teams 

As part of the “I am Here” project, football matches in December in the Winner League and National League were dedicated to honoring WIZO’s work for the benefit of youth. Players from the teams stepped onto the field alongside students and youth from WIZO schools, wearing shirts with the slogan “I am Here” and held a banner that read: “From Crisis to Growth—Together. WIZO for Israeli Youth.” Additionally, in some matches, teens from WIZO’s youth villages joined players for the pre-match ceremonies.

Anita Friedman, Chairperson of World WIZO said:

“Football is a unifying force, a source of stability and connection, and there is no better platform to convey the message of supporting youth in a turbulent reality. The ‘I am Here’ project led by WIZO this week aims to strengthen teenagers impacted by the war. It embodies the values that make Israeli society so resilient and strong—providing strength and support to all who need it. Thank you to the Football League Administration for, once again, rallying behind important, unifying values and using the power of football to strengthen society.”

Erez Kalfon, Chairperson of the Football Leagues Administration:

“Since October 7th, the citizens of this country, including teenagers, have faced numerous challenges. WIZO’s vital project, rooted in the belief in youth as the country’s future, is turning crisis into growth. We support, embrace, and commend WIZO for its blessed work. In the upcoming matchdays, we are opening our gates to showcase this initiative and raise awareness.”

Video produced for the project: