The OVC (orphan and vulnerable child) crisis in Israel is particularly complex. Due to political, social, and cultural factors, the vast majority of orphans and at-risk children reside in institutions, left without a permanent family.
There are over 432,111 at-risk children in Israel.
More than 11,410 children have been removed from their homes by the Ministry of Welfare, only 25% of those children are in foster care.
Couples wait an average of 5 years to adopt a child and only 80 successful adoptions occur each year.
Orphan care can be intimidating. Many people do not have the time or resources to foster or adopt and believe that, because of their limitations, they can't do anything. However, YOU HAVE A VOICE and that voice has the power to engage others in reaching out to those in need around you.
As an individual, it is often hard to see what one person can do for orphans on their own. Yet each person has the potential to be an agent of change to bring hope to children in need. Here are a few ways you can care for orphans and vulnerable children:
Each congregation, business, or local council is uniquely situated to meet the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in your community. Here are a few ideas of how your community can be a voice for these children on Orphan Shabbat and throughout the year:
Orphan Shabbat is the Jewish expression of Orphan Sunday worldwide. Enter your email address to gain access to the Orphan Sunday Field Guide. It is filled with resources, ideas, and tools that are designed to support you as you engage congregations and local partners in your community on behalf of vulnerable children and families.