WIZO Youth Villages: Safe Homes of Resilience and Support During Operation Rising Lion

During Operation Rising Lion, WIZO’s youth villages proved once again that they are far more than educational institutions – they are homes built on resilience, community, and heart. Each village responded with unwavering dedication to the safety and emotional well-being of its youth, especially those without family support in Israel.

WIZO’s youth villages serve a diverse group of children and teens, including many with complex social and emotional needs. During the conflict, over 400 children and staff members remained on-site across multiple campuses, including Hadassim, Nahalal, Nir HaEmek, Nachlat Yehuda, Gan Vanof, and others. Some youth participate in programs like NAALE, while others live in boarding facilities or receive welfare support.

Despite the challenges, all schools shifted to online learning, while continuing educational and therapeutic programming in-person wherever it was safe. Staff showed immense dedication, adapting to emergency conditions to provide educational, emotional, and physical support.

At WIZO Hadassim, Director Eli Batzalel shared: “Since the war began, Hadassim Youth Village has become a safe, warm home for over 80 children and youth without family support… Even those outside the village stay connected. At Hadassim – no one is alone.”

In Nachlat Yehuda, Director Tzachi Tzur-Tal emphasized the village’s role as a constant anchor: “While the school system shut down – we kept the youth village open… We do everything to maintain their anchors – safety, stability, and belonging. In our village – no one is left behind.”

At WIZO Nahalal, Director Galia Alef spoke of the pain and strength of the village’s 65 Naaleh students: “Their greatest pain now isn’t the sirens – but not knowing when they’ll see their families again… Still, they remain. Holding onto routine, supporting each other, working the farm – like a family… These days remind us: a youth village is more than a school – it’s a home built on resilience, community, and heart.”

Student Maksim adds: “Yes, I miss home and my parents, but I feel safe here. I’m not afraid, because I know we have a shelter – and the staff makes us feel secure.”

At WIZO Nir HaEmek, what began as a weekend celebration quickly became an emergency. Director Esti Cohen reflected: “Thanks to ongoing preparation and drills, staff responded swiftly and students moved calmly to shelters… Staff kept in touch, held a resilience Zoom class, and ensured emotional support… Quiet days aren’t easy – but we stay connected and prepare for safer times ahead.”

Even from a quiet campus at WIZO Gan Vanof, Director Yifat Zilberman reminded us that care knows no distance: “Since the war began, our educators maintain phone contact with every student… We remind them: we are here. Available, listening, and supporting… Even from afar, we are always by their side.”

For Shirel, a 12th-grade student now enlisting in the IDF, the village made a lasting impact: “The security situation isn’t easy, but thanks to the youth village, I’ve learned how to cope, grow stronger, and feel safe. I’m enlisting with a sense of readiness… Even though there’s some concern about the situation, I’ve been given the right tools, and I’m joining the army knowing I have strong support behind me.”

Together, the youth villages embody WIZO’s mission in its purest form: providing safety, stability, and love – no matter the circumstances. In each village, and for every student, WIZO is there.