El Hanefesh

Background 

The mental health of elementary school children in Tel Aviv has been significantly impacted by recent events, creating a pressing need for targeted support and intervention.

More recently, Tel Aviv’s children are experiencing the impacts of the first major war many of them have witnessed, profoundly affecting their mental health and emotional coping skills.

This experience can be particularly frightening and destabilizing for those in elementary school.

The Project – El Hanefesh Program

The El Hanefesh Program addresses the pressing need for mental health support by creating a supportive ecosystem within elementary schools, with a specific focus on serving Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) children who typically have limited access to mental health resources.

In its two years of operation, El Hanefesh has demonstrated its commitment to bridging the gap between educational institutions and mental health services for young children in communities where such services are often stigmatized or inaccessible.

The Impact 

By continuing the El Hanefesh Program, we aim to support more Haredi children in Tel Aviv elementary schools, helping them navigate the current challenging circumstances and promoting their overall well-being.