YUVALIM PROJECT
2026 Updates
It has been just over a year since we launched our Yuvalim Project. This initiative was created as a response to the lack of mental health resources for the thousands of survivors of Nova
Yuvalim’s Impact by the Numbers
40 were referred to therapy.
40 were aided in accessing social services and public benefits.
As time goes by, more and more survivors are joining vocational or avocational programs, something that was very rare in the beginning.
40 are participating in such programs, out of which 10 are actively working, and 10 are participating in sports programs, such as surfing and soccer.
30 were referred to welfare.
10 were referred to hospitalization or another live-in program.
Effects of the War on Survivors
Yuvalim continues to work with the government to drive change at the policy level. Recently, we spoke at the Knesset about emerging trends within the rave scene. Below are some key issues:
MENTAL HEALTH
STRUGGLES
Constant sirens and panic in communities are immediate triggers. Deep apathy among youth has also emerged, causing many to disregard safety instructions during missile attacks.
RISE IN THE USE OF POWDER SUBSTANCES
Partygoers are increasingly concerned about potential disruptions, whether from police, sirens, or the threat of another attack. Powder-based substances tend to have shorter-lasting effects, allowing individuals to temporarily escape while also being able to sober up quickly if needed.
PRESENCE OF WEAPONS AT EVENTS
Some attendees are arriving with weapons, including army-issued rifles. This reflects a deep sense of needing personal protection, even in recreational settings. However, it also creates an environment of heightened fear and can undermine the sense of safety these spaces are meant to provide.
POLICE RESPONSE AND LACK
OF SENSITIVITY
Law enforcement has been shutting down rave events, often without appropriate sensitivity to the population present. Many attendees include survivors and former soldiers coping with PTSD. At one event late last October, police entered using shock grenades, with officers in face coverings carrying rifles. Nova survivors at the event reported severe triggers, believing they were under attack again, and some required hospitalization.
Injured partygoer from the October 2025 incident (Credit: Ynet )
Yuvalim’s Ongoing Work
The ELEM team is continuing to receive referrals for Nova survivors - many of which are in the Jerusalem area - and do extensive outreach in raves through our Anashim Tovim (The G d P l ) j t Th di t f th N th
While many services are closed because of the war, Yuvalim continues to operate, maintaining consistent connection with survivors; calling them after alarms to see how they are doing, having long conversations about the situation, and driving up to visit them.
More than two years after October 7th, there are survivors who are just now starting to seek help or willing to accept it. This demonstrates Yuvalim’s crucial work in bridging aid, support, and services to those suffering from severe PTSD.
MARCH EVENTS RECAP
Equestrian Lunch Tour
CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH A CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH SHORT RECAP OF THE EVENT SHORT RECAP OF
Wellington International (Wellington, FL)
The FL Chapter had such a fun time at Wellington International last year that we just had to go again! Our second time there was even more unforgettable. The equestrian competition was as thrilling as it was last year and the lunch was delicious too. It was such a joy to see our dedicated members come together for a beautiful day of fun. Thank you to Sindy Greenberg and the FL Advisory Council for putting this together.
ELEM was granted $10,000 from the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.
LOOTED ART, GREED, DECEPTION & JUSTICE
Presentation & Conversation with Dr. Ruth Ann Kalish (Documentary Filmmaker & Holocaust Historian)
Thursday, April 16 Thursday, 16 6
Dr. Ruth Ann Kalish has been a university professor and administrator, entrepreneur, businesswoman, and philanthropist. As Associate Director of the documentary film COMPLICIT and Director of the SS St. Louis Legacy Project Foundation, she has spent over 20 years researching Holocaust history.
During these years, she has explored and presented findings about Holocaust-era looted art, cultural and artistic evidence from the concentration camps, and governmental response to the Jewish refugees in Europe. Ruth has also had the honor of organizing the 70th anniversary event for the survivors of the SS St. Louis and the US State Department event to honor and apologize to the SS St. Louis survivors.
NEW WEBSITE
ELEM’s New Site Has Officially Launched
This was an important step for us as we continue to grow, creating a clearer, more compelling way to tell our story, highlight the depth and urgency of our work on the ground, and better engage both current and prospective supporters. The new site reflects who we are today: responsive, dynamic, and deeply committed to meeting the evolving needs of Israel’s most vulnerable youth, while offering a more powerful window into our impact across the country.
We invite you to take a few moments to explore the site, see how our work is being brought to life, and share it within your networks as we continue to build awareness and support.
