ORT America welcomed 12 Israeli teenagers to Chicago for a two-week Respite program called “Journey to Renewal: Empowering Emotional and Educational Recovery for Israeli Youth.” It offers transformative healing for “first circle” trauma victims, aimed at providing emotional support and enriching cultural experiences to students dealing with the aftermath of the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
The Respite program not only delivers essential mental-health support but also creates a joyful atmosphere where students can engage with peers through therapeutic activities and psychological counseling, fostering a sense of community and encouraging them to reclaim the joys of childhood.
“Our Respite program is designed to be a transformative journey,” said Allison Weinger, CEO of ORT America. “ORT’s mission is to equip students with the tools and skills they need to create successful futures for themselves, but our impact extends beyond education. The work and progress the children made over these two weeks, they’ll take that home. Our goal is that they will be able to better process the trauma and speak more openly about their experiences.”
During their stay from Oct. 16 to Oct. 30, the students, ages 15 to 18, participated in an array of activities organized by Hannah Wolod, ORT America’s Chicago region director, and the local Jewish community. That included a boat tour, a Chicago Bulls game, Sukkot celebrations and an exhilarating day at Six Flags. They also enjoyed visits to a Jewish high school and Hebrew classes, along with restorative engagement in yoga, meditation, hiking and other outdoor activities.
“I don’t really have the adequate words to express my gratitude for all that our host families did for these brave and resilient kids and for their dedicated staff,” said Wolod. “The trip was beautiful, smooth, restful and healing for everyone. It couldn’t have gone better, and that is due in large part to these families and Chicago’s North Shore Jewish community. Their flexibility, compassion and willingness to treat this delegation like members of their own family proved incredible and inspiring.”
Moshe Leiba, chief pedagogical officer and deputy director general of World ORT Kadima Mada, accompanies the students on the trips. The journey also served as a crucial step in the healing process for ORT staff, particularly for one member who recently lost her son in Israel.
“This gave her an outlet to talk with other people about her son,” Leiba explained. “She really connected with her host, and they cried together. The day we left was very emotional for everyone. When I began planning this trip a year ago, this was exactly what I envisioned: bringing together kids, allowing them to be kids, and facilitating healing for both them and the adults involved. When you’re helping one another, you’re building your own resilience.”
Students Maor and Shaked shared their heartfelt experiences from the trip, emphasizing the strong bonds formed with their host families and with Leiba. Maor expressed his sorrow at leaving, even shedding tears on his host’s shoulder. Shaked reflected on the deep connection that he forged with Leiba, noting that both students gained a renewed sense of community and support.
ORT America is planning additional Respite trips, including programs in London and Canada.
Past initiatives have successfully taken place in Los Angeles, Mexico City and New York.
