When “Sammy” was just a little boy, his father disappeared from his life. Alone with his poverty-stricken mother, Sammy has lived in fear for as long as he can remember. At age 13, this Boys Town Jerusalem seventh grader is now fighting the terrifying trauma that grips him day and night.
Sammy’s father has become an imaginary monster
“Countless times a day, Sammy bursts into tears in class,” notes BTJ Junior High Principal Rabbi Yehudah Rosencrantz. “With no father figure in his life, he has created a monster in its place. Last week, he dreamt his father told him that he would come to kill him. He begged us not to allow the man to enter the school.”
Sammy is having a hard time in class
The young boy’s vulnerability has made him feel threatened by his classmates as well. The more anguished he becomes, the more susceptible he is to their taunting.
“Sammy is in a small Special Education class where we can tailor-make each boy’s study program. Since he recently entered BTJ, a working team including our social worker, his teacher, and various specialists have undertaken the challenging mission to restore his trust and confidence,” the principal explained. “Simultaneously, we are working to sensitize Sammy’s classmates to the importance of respecting each other’s needs.”
Sammy’s future is bright, thanks to supporters
Thanks to generous overseas donors, Sammy’s BTJ tuition, schoolbooks, and after- school activities are being fully subsidized. “Every day is critical in easing Sammy’s torment, while giving him friendship, security and hope.”