The Mission to Heal Israel’s Children

After surviving a devastating terror attack twenty-three years ago, David Rubin, founder of the Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund (SICF), recognized that the resulting trauma was not merely physical. "It wasn't just physical; we saw this trauma play out for years within my entire family," Rubin explains. This experience birthed a vision to blend education with specialized therapy, aiming to "turn the pain of terrorism into miracles". Shilat Yogev of SICF emphasizes the weight of these experiences, noting that while trauma causes significant problems, the organization seeks "ways to let some light in — just a ray of hope" to help families move forward.

Educational Healing and Connection to the Land

At the heart of the mission is a large school serving 600 girls from fourteen different communities, all of whom have been impacted by terror in some way. Tamar Sela of SICF describes the program’s goal as providing joy, self-confidence, and a deep sense of belonging.

Through agricultural activities, the students connect with their heritage. "Through these activities they connect to the land — the land of our forefathers — by growing plants," Sela says. As the girls see their plants thrive, they experience personal success and a renewed connection to their home, reinforcing the belief that "this is their land".

Specialized Therapies for Expression and Control

For many children, the weight of trauma makes it difficult to find the words to describe their feelings. SICF utilizes alternative therapies, such as art and equine programs, to bridge this gap. Yogev notes that through art, a child "can express what he feels inside without having to give it the name". Similarly, the therapeutic riding program, led by Daniel Ben-Nun, helps patients build confidence through incremental challenges. Ben-Nun observes that when patients "succeed in controlling [the horse], they feel good and then want to learn more and more".

Putting Families Back Together

The work of SICF extends beyond individual therapy to encompass the entire family unit. David Rubin highlights the creation of mobile teams designed to perform whole-family therapy for the thousands of families who have been uprooted. The ultimate goal of these comprehensive efforts is clear and profound: "To take bitterness and turn it into sweetness".