Over 18 months since the Israeli war broke out, the fierce battlefield of the war’s pain remains. For growing numbers of Boys Town Jerusalem students and their families, the struggle is grueling.
War’s ongoing impact on BTJ students
“We are making unprecedented efforts to give students the best academic curriculum and extracurricular activities, yet the shadow of the war is always present,” BTJ Junior High Principal Rabbi Yehudah Rosencrants admits. “Just this week, there was a missile alert in the middle of morning prayers. As sirens wailed, students raced from the synagogue to take cover in our bomb shelters.”
Shortage of teachers spurs summer remedial classes
While BTJ instructors serve long months of IDF Reserves duty, substitute teachers have become scarce nationwide. “We are now organizing a record number of remedial classes this summer in math, English and language skills,” the principal notes. “It’s crucial to act now.”
War trauma triggers a young boy’s stutter
The war’s tensions are manifested in many ways, he explains. “A mother recently brought her 12-year old son to interview for enrolment in Grade 7. His heavy stutter was impossible to understand. ‘What do you expect?’ his mother shrugged. ‘His two brothers are fighting in Gaza. His father has now served over 400 days of IDF Reserve duty. He overcame his stutter once, but the war’s pressure made it worse than ever.” Rabbi Rosencrantz assured her that BTJ would arrange speech therapy for the young boy, while striving to build his confidence.
Supporters fund escape and emotional healing
The principal gratefully notes the perks that generous donors worldwide have given students in these difficult times. “This year, our boys have enjoyed wonderful fieldtrips and campouts that brought happiness and healing. We will soon open a dream Summer Day Camp for junior high students – newly expanded to include 9th and 10th graders.
Donors enable this highly subsidized camp to give our boys an invaluable fun-filled summer, as we hope for better days ahead.”