When 14-year-old “Davey” won 20 NIS (six dollars) with a lucky ticket in a recent schoolwide Prize Day activity, he and his older brother “Adam” were all smiles as they collected their winnings from Boys Town Jerusalem Principal Rabbi Yehudah Rosencrantz. “We haven’t held this much money for over a year!” they exclaimed.
Family devastated by war-time economic collapse
Like so very many of their classmates, these boys and their families have become economic victims of Israel’s long, painful war. Davy and Adam’s father’s business failed as the war plunged the economy to record lows. “We lost everything,” he told the principal. “We have no money for food, much less tuition or extracurricular activities for our sons.”
Davey and Adam excel despite crushing hardship
“Despite their hardship, Davey and Adam are excellent, popular students,” Rabbi Rosencrantz notes. “Yet, watching their parents struggle is terribly painful. Unfortunately, they are two of a record number of our students facing abject poverty.” Gratefully, generous donors worldwide are enabling these brothers and hundreds of their Boys Town Jerusalem classmates to survive and thrive in these trying times.
Supporters sustain students during difficult time
“Donors empower us to give students three wholesome, lifesaving meals a day, plus school supplies, extracurricular activities, social services and much more. In September when Davey begins ninth grade, he will join Adam and many other students in our modern dormitories. Beyond a top-level education, we provide our boys the facilities, nourishment, and love to gain vital confidence and skills.”
A father’s gratitude for a life-changing gift
“I’ve worked hard for my entire life,” Adam and Davie’s father told the principal. “I’ve served for months in the IDF Reserves. I don’t know when we can repay BTJ for all you’re doing, but I promise you we will. For now, please thank the donors who are giving our sons a priceless gift for life.”
*Names changed for privacy reasons
*Image used for illustrative purposes only