Founded in 1983 by a group of Jewish-American professionals and volunteers, ELEM/Youth in Distress in Israel is the country’s leading nonprofit supporting both at-risk and increasingly vulnerable youth. With four decades of hands-on fieldwork, the organization is widely recognized for its innovation, expertise, and impact. Through both formal and informal approaches, ELEM empowers youth, reduces harm, and supports their reintegration into society.

The organization serves youth and young adults from all segments of Israeli society, including Jewish, Arab, Christian, Druze, immigrants, asylum seekers, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. While our work predominantly focuses on young people ages 12 to 26, we serve children as young as four through specialized services. These youth face a wide range of challenges, including war-related trauma, emotional crises, school truancy, social and familial rejection, substance abuse, sexual exploitation, violence, and homelessness.

Each year, over 15,000 youth and young adults are reached through more than 300 professionals and 1,200 trained volunteers. ELEM meets youth where they are: on the streets at night, online, and in schools, community centers and public spaces.

American Friends of ELEM is the U.S.-based partner of ELEM/Youth in Distress in Israel, dedicated to securing financial support and increasing awareness.