Aloney Yitzhak

Ever since Aloney Yitzhak was established in 1948, this beautiful Village located in a nature reserve has welcomed and educated young refugees and immigrant boys and girls from all over the world. Survivors of the Holocaust were followed by youngsters, persecuted and traumatized in their home countries, who needed a safe haven for their adolescent years. East European youths from the former Soviet Soviet Union and children from North Africa mixed with those from Asian and Middle Eastern countries such as Iran and Syria. More recently, Yugoslavian and Bulgarian youngsters have joined the community.

Aloney Yitzhak fulfils another vital role in Israeli society – it provides a caring environment in a positive social setting for native Israeli children who come from dysfunctional families. They are children with higher than average learning ability, but poor home conditions and traumatic experiences have put them "at risk". Once in the Village, every effort is made to raise their self-esteem. With newly acquired confidence, fresh motivation emerges. At present, 400 students from 20 countries enjoy a unique ethnic mix at Aloney Yitzhak, preparing them for a constructive future in Israel’s multicultural community.

With the help and care of highly specialized staff, most of these students attain a good standard in their final school examinations. The Village places great emphasis on extra-curricular studies in music, drama and dance, which mould a tightly knit community, and satisfy the need for self-expression. The Village Director, herself a former Youth Aliyah graduate, believes that sport and music provide healthy outlets for the tensions and frustrations of many children. Daily chores within the Village foster team spirit and teach the children to be responsible for the community in which they live.

Many of Aloney Yitzhak’s graduates have attained influential positions. They have positions in universities, hospitals and are members of the diplomatic service. Some hold positions in professional fields. A number have returned to the Village, playing key roles in the next generation’s education. Their dedication to the children’s well-being testifies to their identification with them, and they in turn become the role-models for the next generation.