Ten Israeli teens recently completed a powerful two-week respite experience in Arizona as part of World ORT Kadima Mada’s Journey to Renewal, a program created to support Israeli youth who suffered severe personal trauma from Oct. 7, 2023.
Each teen selected for the program carries the weight of what Israel now calls First Circle trauma. Some lost family members or friends; others were forced from their homes or directly experienced violence. They have been struggling not only with emotional recovery but also with the difficulty of returning to schoolwork and routine.
The respite program gave them the opportunity to rebuild confidence and rediscover the feeling of being safe and seen. It was made possible through a collaboration across the Greater Phoenix Jewish community.
J Teen Connect was instrumental in securing space at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center and in coordinating activities, which included sponsoring the Israeli teens at the BBYO Mountain Regional Convention. The groups in the partnership also included the Center for Jewish Philanthropy of Greater Phoenix, the Valley of the Sun JCC, Arizona Jewish Academy, Hebrew High, the Bureau of Jewish Education, Mountain Region BBYO, Hillel at Arizona State University, Shevet Shemesh, Chabad at Northern Arizona University, Ezras Cholim, Kitchen 18, in addition to families across Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Participants began each morning at the Valley of the Sun JCC. They volunteered at Ezras Cholim with students from Arizona Jewish Academy; joined a pizza dinner hosted with J Teen Connect and BBYO chapter boards; prepared meals with local teens; and took part in fitness and art activities.
At Hunkapi Farms, they experienced therapeutic interactions with horses that helped them release tension and reconnect. An overnight trip to the desert town of Sedona and the Grand Canyon became one of the defining segments of the program. The Phoenix Suns welcomed the teens to a home game, where the group received field passes and appeared on the Jumbotron. The arena erupted in cheers.
About the Journey to Renewal Program
Journey to Renewal is a World ORT Kadima Mada initiative that supports Israeli teens ages 15 to 18 who suffered the most direct and devastating losses from Oct. 7 and its aftermath. The two-week experience combines therapeutic support, cultural exchange, recreation and community. The program helps teens rebuild emotional resilience and regain their academic footing so they can return to their schools and families with renewed strength.
