Strengthening the resilience of youth and communities
In recent years, Israel has been through an ongoing period of war, crises and
uncertainty. At SAHI, we believe that giving is the answer — a way to strengthen social
resilience and build a more united society, even in times of division and crisis.
In emergencies, SAHI acts as an auxiliary force for local authorities and community
organizations. That is how we worked during COVID-19, and throughout the war since
October 7, 2023.
As most residents return home, recovery in the north and the south is underway — and it
is only beginning. SAHI continues to walk alongside teens and communities on the way back
to everyday life, offering teens a steady framework and a sense of control and
capability.
During the war
When the Swords of Iron war broke out, right after October 7, 2023, SAHI set up special
groups for teens in the evacuation centers. Following the SAHI model, giving groups were
formed in the host neighborhoods and in the hotels. Where evacuees returned home, SAHI
went back with them to their home communities, and in many of them it is still active today. Through giving, the teens changed their
status: from “evacuees” who were forced to leave their homes, to leaders of kindness who shape their
reality and help others.
SAHI also kept its youth and volunteer groups across the country active in emergency
work, drawing on the experience it gained during COVID-19: logistics centers that met the
needs of local authorities, collecting games and emergency supplies for children,
supporting soldiers and reservists' families, preparing public bomb shelters, and helping
elderly people — including some not known even to social services — as well as
supporting bereaved families and honoring the memory of their loved ones.
“...SAHI, that one time a week, was an escape for all of us, and it turned into
twice a week, because everyone wanted to come, to let it all out, to help and to
give... Tuesday and Wednesday, everyone knew it was SAHI day, the day we stay here...
It meant so much. I don't think there's anyone it didn't save — I can say that for me
personally, without it, I would have been sitting at home, in bed, crying.”
G., SAHI Ofakim
Resilience and trauma
Volunteering strengthens self-efficacy, gives a sense of control, and offers a positive
group framework that provides social support and a sense of belonging and meaning.
SAHI's staff are experienced in working with teens, including teens who come from complex
backgrounds and sometimes a history of trauma, and they know how to adapt their educational
approach in times of crisis too.
Many teens from the conflict areas went through severe trauma and physical and emotional
harm, and some also lost family members and loved ones. They were cut off from their usual
frameworks and from the familiar, safe places they knew. Throughout this period, many teens
felt frightened, uprooted and alone, and experienced a loss of security, control and
agency — at times taking on risky behavior.
For some of these teens, SAHI was the only framework they chose to be part of, and it
became an anchor for them. Giving to someone else strengthened them and gave them a
sense of security.
60%+of participants believe they have a role in rebuilding the country — a feeling that was stronger among long-time SAHI participants
~80%said SAHI was especially meaningful for them during the war, and that it helped them cope with the challenges of this time
Want to be part of the recovery?
Your support lets SAHI keep standing with teens and communities — in emergencies and in recovery.
