Operation rising lion | june 2025
our children are back in safe rooms once again.
All around Israel, the piercing, nightly air raid sirens that sound throughout the night wake families whose children have only just fallen asleep next to their parents who can hug them, hold them, and reassure them that they will be okay.
But our children have no parents to turn to in the middle of the night.
And our children are young.
And very, very frightened.
Help us guide them through this war.
providing comfort
From the Fear of War
As told to us by a dorm counselor whose bedroom doubles as the facility’s safe room, every night, our children drag their mattresses to his room, where they can huddle together in hope of comfort and safety throughout the long night ahead.
But sleep does not come easily.
The deep wail of the nightly sirens followed by the unceasing, earth shattering explosions heard from the interceptions of the Iron Dome, as well as the dangerous shrapnel that falls all over Israel keeps our children wide awake and shaking long after the siren is over.
Who will ease their fears and reassure them tonight?
Keren Hayeled and its staff continue to dedicate 24 hours of every day to caring for our children. Our goal is to calm the overwhelming fear they each harbor with love, hope, reassurance, and most importantly, the faith in Hashem that He will continue to protect us.
In addition to this, the schools have been closed, and our children are threatened by the lack of normal routine that generally puts their delicate wellbeing back on its feet.
However, we built structure where there was none during the long Covid period, at the beginning of the October 7th war, and we are doing it again, now. After all, we assume responsibility for every role that needs to be filled, as surrogate parents, a calm home, or the structure of school.
Keeping to Routine during the uncertainty of war
Our priority is to keep the atmosphere in the dormitories calm, happy, and productive for all of the children under our care.
As the schools have not fully reopened, and we have stepped in to provide the children with real structure and quality activities.
We are pleased that they are taking their learning seriously, as we have instituted a proper school schedule.
Here is a sample of some of the classes we are providing on campus:
Reading lessons by teacher C.S.- Completing gaps in math by teacher E.S
- Learning English – Establishing the basics of grammar (tenses) by teacher H.M
- Math, grade 9, back to studying for the final exam. by teacher A.B.
- Math, grade 11, back to matriculation, second term. – by teacher G.
- Math, completing the basics for a student who is having difficulty by teacher S.Z.
- Healthy Nutrition Workshop by registered nurse S.P.
- Extra-curricular Activity: Following up with clay creations led by instructor H
Reading lessons by teacher C.S.Every morning the girls gather together to learn Hilchot Shabbat as a merit for all of Am Yisrael.
They are then strengthened by speeches and discussions of Emunah that bring comfort and calm to the naturally frightening thoughts that enter their minds.
Each afternoon, the children enjoy their regular Chugim (after-school programs) as well as an additional creative group activity that keeps them occupied in what would otherwise be a time to think unproductive, scary thoughts.
things are not simple.
This is a challenging time for us all, but for our children, many of whom are in delicate emotional states, we need to provide the sense of security they so desperately need.
We need your help and your prayers more than ever before.
Please stand with our children, help us keep our children strong, and please pray for them that they will feel safe and secure in the hands of Hashem.
We pray that all of Klal Yisrael stay safe, healthy, and at peace.
