By Nativia Bühler

Across Israel, imperilled youth face enormous obstacles, but for certain newly-arrived Jewish teenagers settling in Ashdod the challenges are especially severe. Many have arrived from Ukraine and Russia carrying the scars of war, antisemitism, poverty and personal loss. They come with little Hebrew, fractured families, and almost no support system — yet they are expected to build a future in a land still new to them. In response, the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem is committed to stand alongside these precious teens.

Recent studies underline the urgency for these at-risk youths:

• 86% come from single-parent households
• Many live under welfare supervision, yet their unresolved legal status often denies them vital assistance
• All carry trauma, whether from fleeing conflict zones, experiencing personal loss, or struggling with daily integration

There is currently no youth center operating in Ashdod. Instead, ICEJ has partnered with local community activists to transform a renovated underground bomb shelter into a safe haven for at-risk teens. Once built for survival, the space now bursts with colour, paintings and photos of the children themselves. And here, something remarkable is happening!

At the center we recently met Anastasia, a passionate theater director and mother of four. She leads the Youth Futures program for more than 20 immigrant teens, mentoring them day and night. To these youth, she has become more than a mentor; they call her “mom.”

“It’s 24/7, evenings, Shabbat. Whenever a child needs me, I’m there,” she explained.

Her dedication is bearing fruit:

• Yosef, once unable to sit still due to OCD, stood before his entire class to read the Passover Haggadah — and is finally making friends.
• A girl who lagged behind in school is now accepted into an elite Israeli Air Force training program.
• Another is courageously chasing her dream of becoming an actress, with Anastasia guiding her every step.

Then there are the twins, whose story is deeply moving. They arrived in Israel only two months ago, having fled Ukraine after witnessing their mother’s death in a rocket strike. Placed in the care of a father they barely knew, their world was shattered. Normally, new participants are not accepted mid-year, but there was no hesitation in welcoming these twins into the program. Even during the recent conflict with Iran, when staff were instructed to work from home, Anastasia paid a visit to their apartment.

“These children couldn’t wait,” she told us softly. “The boy clings to me. He is terrified of losing another adult in his life.”

For these children, the program is more than after-school activities. It is a lifeline. It speaks courage, identity and hope into lives overshadowed by fear.

“This program doesn’t just change lives, it saves them,” assured Anastasia.

In one activity lesson, each teen wrote down their dreams for the future. Some dared to imagine studying at Oxford or Harvard. Others longed to become pilots, hair stylists, actors or artists. These were not empty wishes — they were signs of hope rekindled.

The ICEJ has long partnered with the Jewish Agency For Israel to promote various Aliyah and Integration initiatives. However, these children are a true reminder that many need someone who personally believes in them and encourages them to pursue their dreams. They need someone to accompany them on their journey to a healthier outlook on life.

In a world that told them they were unwanted, supporters of the Christian Embassy are helping these struggling Jewish teens believe in themselves.

Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can restore futures — one youth at a time.

Photos: ICEJ