For Israeli teenagers, three years of war and uncertainty have brought a level of stress that is difficult to leave behind, even when the sirens stop. At Boys Town Jerusalem, the school’s Social Services team is helping students navigate the emotional impact of prolonged conflict, family members serving in combat, and the fear of what may come next.
Creating an island of trust for students
“The greatest challenge we therapists face today is creating an island of trust for our students within this sea of uncertainty” says Boys Town Jerusalem social worker Hadas Knopf.
Supporting students thorugh an uncertain summer
Even throughout summer vacation, BTJ’s Social Services team has voluntarily stayed closely connected to students struggling with trauma. “From boys whose parents are ill to those fearful for fathers and siblings in combat, our therapists and counselors have been reaching out to soothe the pain. The students have no idea that these BTJ professionals are themselves wives and mothers of sons serving in IDF combat units. They come to work after sleepless nights of worry, determined to do everything possible to ease our students’ fears and rebuild their confidence,” Hadas explains.
Helping boys cope with the emotional impact of war
Helping students cope with the emotional strain of a prolonged war has become increasingly complex. “Teenagers often respond to trauma by becoming more guarded, withdrawn, or aggressive,” Knopf notes. “As horrific images of the war and Hamas’ October 7 attack became public, many teenagers struggled to process what they were seeing. At BTJ, this emotional distress sometimes surfaced as increased aggression, both at home and on campus.”
As Boys Town Jerusalem’s rabbis and teachers stepped in to listen and guide troubled students, the Social Services team intensified their efforts to help the boys cope. Slowly, from a place of pain, healing began.
From pain to purpose
“BTJ’s longtime handyman, Chaim, gathered a group of distressed students and channeled their energy into creating something beautiful,” Hadas recounts. “Using scrap wood they collected, the boys cut, sanded, painted, and built stunning benches and tables for the campus. Through the work of their hands, they discovered pride, purpose, and a measure of inner peace.”
Finding healing thorugh connection and creativity
After years of uncertainty, Boys Town Jerusalem remains committed to giving its students that sense of stability. With caring teachers, counselors, rabbis, and social workers standing beside them, the boys are learning that even in the midst of uncertainty, there can still be room for healing, hope, and a future they can believe in.