By Jeremy Lisitza, Individual Giving Officer
Neve Michael’s Emergency War Response Program, which is a lifeline for Israel’s children at risk, was awarded $10,000 by the Federation’s Women’s Giving Circle.
October 7 will forever remain a day of unimaginable grief for Israel and the Neve Michael Children’s Village. The horrific violence that unfolded left them shattered, as innocent lives were lost, and entire communities were plunged into mourning. For those at Neve Michael, the tragedy struck deeply. They not only felt the personal loss of loved ones, but also feared for the graduates serving on the front lines. The emotional toll weighed heavily on the staff and children, already vulnerable and facing the everyday struggles of overcoming past trauma.
Neve Michael Children’s Village, located in Pardes Hana, has long been a sanctuary for children at risk. Serving 400 children between the ages of 4 and 18, the village provides care, protection, and healing for those removed from dysfunctional families due to physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and severe neglect. For these children, Neve Michael is a place where they can finally find the warmth, love, and stability that has been missing from their young lives.
As the only multidisciplinary children’s home in Israel with such an extensive range of vital services all at one site, they are committed to providing comprehensive care. The facilities include: a 24/7 children’s emergency crisis center, the first and only teenage girls’ crisis center in Israel, an external crisis center for families at risk, and an onsite special education elementary school. Additionally, they offer day care facilities for disadvantaged children from the local community, as well as a therapy and enrichment center that tailors educational and therapeutic programs to each child’s unique needs.
While they are equipped to support these children through their most challenging times, the escalation of violence in the ongoing conflict has presented unprecedented obstacles. Many of the children already suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the continued instability has triggered and intensified their fears. The emotional scars they carry have been reopened, making it crucial to provide additional support.
This is where Neve Michael’s Emergency War Response Program plays a vital role. The program is designed to provide emotional, psychological, and educational support to the children as they face yet another traumatic chapter in their lives. 
Through this initiative, they provide unbudgeted extended therapeutic and tutorial hours, ensuring that each child receives the care they need to heal.This safe and nurturing environment is essential for them to process their grief, confront their fears, and begin the journey toward recovery.
None of this work would have been possible without the ongoing generous support of the Women’s Giving Circle. Their unwavering commitment to Neve Michael’s Emergency Response Program is making a real and profound difference in the lives of the children. The Women’s Giving Circle is helping to sustain a place where healing, learning, and growth can continue, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
For more information on the Women’s Giving Circle or to join, contact Jeremy Lisitza at jeremyl@jfedsrq.org or 941-343-2113.