Since the Hamas terrorist attack, much has inevitably changed in Israeli society. Daily life in schools and social institutions is no exception, as the example of the Jaffa Institute, supported by CSI, demonstrates.
By Hannah Trusch
The Jaffa Institute offers educational and social enrichment programs for disadvantaged children and contributes to increasing food security for those in need, aiming to break the cycle of poverty in Jaffa and Tel Aviv. The emotional and mental well-being of program participants is a central focus. This is the institute's mission in peacetime. Since the start of the war, the needs of the participants have changed significantly, requiring the Jaffa Institute to adapt several of its activities.
Parents were offered more frequent phone calls and Zoom meetings to discuss current events and cope with anxieties. The Jaffa Institute also distributed computers and activity kits for schoolwork via Zoom and the many hours spent at home. Evacuated families received additional food packages and participated in projects at the hotels where they were staying. This allowed children to engage in playful science projects, and their parents to enjoy culinary activities. One woman who participated in a pasta workshop, for example, reported that she had laughed for the first time in weeks.
The emotional and therapeutic support for the evacuees, in particular, can be facilitated by the Jaffa Institute team's extensive experience. Since mid-November, two social workers have been visiting the hotel twice a week to address the needs of the evacuees and ensure that both children and adults are aware of and utilize the available services.
From the teacher's desk to reserve duty
Another project of the Jaffa Institute is the educational center in Bet Shemesh for disadvantaged youth. Tzuri, the principal of Yeshiva High School in Bet Shemesh, is a reserve commander and was called up on October 8, 2023. In the meantime, one of his colleagues has taken over his responsibilities at Yeshiva High School. Many of the school's teachers were also called up for reserve duty. Since Tzuri and his colleagues were released from the army, things have become quieter at the school. The students benefit from their presence and the inspiration they receive, especially from their principal.
On February 11th, the students went on a day trip to Masada. Excursions usually take place three to four times a year; this was their first trip this year. Masada is the site of a heroic event by the last Jews in the Land of Israel after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The trip to this significant site in Jewish history is intended to distract and inspire the young people.
