11/21/2025
Helping Israeli Children Heal
Mark Holz | SPECIAL TO THE CJN
Article reprinted with permission from Cleveland Jewish News
For nearly two decades, the Youth Futures mentoring program has been transforming the lives of children and families across Israel – providing emotional, social and academic support to those facing hardship. This vital program, supported by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, has become even more critical since the war began, as thousands of children struggle to cope with the ongoing trauma and instability in their daily lives.
One of those children is Talia, a quiet, sensitive 10-year-old from Beit Shean – Cleveland’s sister community in Israel. From an early age, Talia struggled with low self-confidence. When the war broke out, her life was suddenly turned upside down. Her father was called to reserve duty, and her mother began working long hours to support the family. To keep her safe, Talia went to live with nearby relatives.
Without her parents’ daily presence and surrounded by constant tension, Talia began to unravel emotionally. She developed severe stomach aches, had trouble sleeping and could no longer focus on school. Once a cheerful student, she became withdrawn and isolated from her friends.
Fortunately, Talia was already enrolled in the Youth Futures program, where trained mentors work closely with children and families to strengthen resilience and foster stability. Her mentor, Hagar, quickly recognized that Talia needed extra care. Together with the program’s case workers, Hagar arranged for Talia to receive emotional therapy and additional academic support.
Through these interventions – and Hagar’s patient guidance – Talia began to rebuild her confidence. She learned coping strategies for her anxiety and slowly reconnected with her classmates. Small steps, like joining group activities and attending social gatherings, became turning points in her recovery.
Although Talia’s family is still deeply affected by the war – she continues to live with her relatives and rarely sees her parents – she now has the tools and support to navigate this difficult period with strength and hope.
Youth Futures continues to be a lifeline for nearly 15,000 children and their families throughout Israel, helping them weather the challenges of war and uncertainty. And as a result of the war, the program is in the process of expanding from 49 cities to 62 cities in Israel. This is possible because of our community’s support of the annual Campaign.
When you give to the annual Campaign for Jewish Needs, programs like Youth Futures can continue to help children in Israel heal and thrive.
Make your gift today to Federation’s annual campaign at jewishcleveland.org/donate. The 2026 campaign will conclude on Dec. 8.
Mark Holz is campaign vice chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland in Beachwood.
