T.O.M. (Torah O'Miksoah)

Located south of Hadera, T.O.M. was originally founded for the educational and emotional needs of religious teenage boys who were unable to fit into a regular school environment. With the opening of dormitories in 1975, the Village added a vocational high school but kept the student population small in number (250). It was felt that it was important to preserve the intimate family atmosphere in order to provide "a home from home" for the students. For some, it has become the only home they have ever known.

The youngsters hail from Israel, France and the former U.S.S.R., but today the majority are Ethiopian. Many of them come from one-parent families or the family is scattered – often as the result of an immigration crisis. Many of the boys at T.O.M. escaped from their native country in order to avoid being kidnapped and conscripted into the army, whilst others have had to adapt to the trauma of losing family members on the long trek from Ethiopia.

Aware of their students’ different cultural origins, a devoted staff makes every effort to help these children by treating them according to their understanding and background.

The Village centres around the vocational high school, which offers studies in motor mechanics and engineering. They have established a fine standard for their training and T.O.M. enjoys a close link with local industry. Students who want to continue to higher education are thoroughly prepared for the matriculation to enable them to enter university.

Among the various extra-curricular activities, sport takes pride of place in T.O.M, and the cross-country teams have distinguished themselves in several international competitions.

T.O.M.’s graduates are well equipped to cope with the realities of life once they leave the sheltered community that has given them the strength and impetus to build their own future in Israel’s wider community.