Ilan*, a slim 15-year-old Ethiopian student at Boys Town Jerusalem, has barely kept up with his academic studies this year. Like so many of his classmates, Ilan – a quiet, reserved young boy – has been traumatized by Israel’s ongoing war.
Ilan fears for his older brother, and it’s taken its toll
Fear for their older brother’s safety as a soldier has taken a grave toll on both Ilan and his sister. In Ilan’s case, his grades have plunged and his behavior has become increasingly aggressive. Throughout the year, his Boys Town Jerusalem teachers and social worker have made intensive efforts to ease his anguish. Yet, his sister’s distress and anxiety reached such critical proportions that she requires long-term hospitalization in a psychiatric facility. Her serious condition has taken its toll on the entire family.
Ilan’s parents cannot afford to send Ilan to school
In a heartbreaking letter to the Boys Town Jerusalem administration, Ilan’s parents described the crisis that pervades the family, now plunged into poverty. Ilan’s father is rarely able to find work, and his mother has been unemployed for many years. Hardly able to put food on the table, they are completely unable to pay Ilan’s 9th grade tuition for the coming year.
Ilan isn’t the only one traumatized
“Ilan is only one of the growing number of our students whose families are facing crippling emotional and financial crises,” notes BTJ Registrar Rachel Cohen-Pur sadly. “We remain hopeful that generous, caring donors will lend a greatly-needed hand in these challenging times.”
*not his real name