Israeli Kids Initiative
Helping vulnerable children across Israel find stability, healing, and a family to call their own.
The YATOM Israeli Kids Initiative supports vulnerable children across Israel. It’s built on the same idea behind everything YATOM does: Jewish values call us to care for the vulnerable and stand up for those in need.
The initiative offers small, meaningful grants to help cover the real costs of fostering and therapy, so families can focus on providing a child with a stable, loving home.
Coats for Kids
Thanks to YATOM supporters, 22 children in a village in Rwanda recently received warm hooded sweatshirts and sturdy sneakers.
For families facing deep financial hardship, these practical gifts offer more than warmth and protection. They remind children and caregivers that they are seen, valued, and surrounded by care.
Featured Stories
Abraham's Story
Abraham arrived at an emergency foster home in the middle of the night, just over a year old. He was a bright, charming toddler, but he was facing real developmental delays and rough nights.
With warmth, consistency, and the right professional support, that started to change. Within months, Abraham was walking with support, saying his first words, and forming real bonds with the people caring for him.
Eight months later, he’s getting ready to move in with a permanent foster family. It’s a bittersweet goodbye, but one full of hope for what’s ahead.
Lian, Nehorai, and Idan's Story
Lian (5), Nehorai (3), and Idan (2) — names changed to protect their privacy — were removed from their parents’ home about a year and a half ago. After efforts to stabilize the family didn’t work out, the children moved into foster care.
Lian and Nehorai were placed together in emergency care, where a speech therapist working with Lian felt called to do more. She and her family went through the foster approval process and welcomed both siblings into their home. Supported by their foster parents and six other foster siblings, the two have made real progress. Lian has since started trauma-informed therapy to keep building on that.
Idan, the youngest, was placed with a different foster family at just one year old. Professionals describe it as a seamless match, and he’s thriving alongside his new foster siblings.
The two foster families stay closely connected, so the siblings keep their bond through regular visits. They also support supervised visits with the children’s biological parents, who’ve begun their own path toward rehabilitation, because keeping those relationships alive matters for the children’s long-term wellbeing too.
Alex's Story
Alex was removed from his mother’s home at age five. After a first foster placement didn’t work out, he moved in with a foster family in Be’er Sheva, where he slowly built a life rooted in belonging.
As a teenager, tension grew between Alex and his foster mother — she cared deeply, but struggled to balance protecting him with his need for independence. Like a lot of families, they had ups and downs. But Alex always knew he was their son in every way that mattered.
Just months before his foster placement was set to end, his foster mother found out he was using drugs. It shook the family. His foster father was ready to give up. His foster mother wasn’t. She advocated for Alex, brought in professional support, and helped rebuild trust.
Today, Alex still lives in that home. He’s about to finish his combat service in the Paratroopers Brigade, supported by the family that never stopped choosing him.
More Children We've Supported
Through microgrants and ongoing support, YATOM has also stood alongside:
Noam
At just six years old, Noam entered foster care after his home life became unsafe.
Ro'i
Ro’i, now a year and a half, has been in foster care since birth.
Sharon and Noa
were removed from their home a year ago due to instability caused by their mother’s ongoing mental health challenges.
Maor
Everything changed when he arrived at the Levi family home in Be’er Sheva.
Nadav
Hist foster family has given him the stability and love every child deserves, nurturing his growth and celebrating every milestone.
Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
JDC in Jerusalem works to support vulnerable children
Israeli Campers
YATOM is thrilled to support Israeli kids who have been traumatized by the recent war in Israel to help enable them to come spend the summer at Camp Moshava Wild Rose
Anshel
Through our generous community support, YATOM is providing funding for additional support for Anshel to help him recover from the horrific trauma he experienced.
Help a Child Thrive
Small grants can make an immediate difference, helping children access therapy, stability, and a family who chooses them.
Apply for a YATOM Microgrant
Are you a foster or adoptive family navigating unexpected expenses? YATOM microgrants provide timely assistance so families can focus on creating safe, loving homes.
Help a Child Thrive
Small grants can make an immediate difference—helping children access school, clothing, and the basic support every child deserves.
Apply for a YATOM Microgrant
Are you a foster or adoptive family navigating unexpected expenses? YATOM microgrants provide timely assistance so families can focus on creating safe, loving homes.
