Against the backdrop of Operation Roaring Lion and the prolonged stay in homes and protected spaces, ELEM, which works with at-risk youth in cooperation with and funded by the Ministry of Welfare and the National Insurance Institute, identifies a worrying change in the behavior of at-risk youth and young adults in recent days. Data from the organization indicates an increase in requests for assistance and support spaces, alongside a worsening of risky behaviors and mental distress among youth.

As an organization that centers its work on highly marginalized groups, ELEM reports an increase in requests from young men and women for physical assistance and support spaces, alongside rising anxiety levels and substance use. Some young people living in independent community apartments are physically asking to come to support centers due to intense feelings of loneliness and the need for a safe, holding space during this time.

Additionally, a significant increase has been identified in the consumption of addictive substances, as well as difficulties—and sometimes refusals—by young people to enter protected spaces during sirens. Staff members report that some youth express what they describe as "passive suicidal ideation." According to them, the ongoing trauma of living on the edge meets the current security trauma, creating a combination that sometimes leads to "freezing" and an inability to act to protect themselves.

Additional data indicates an increase in the consumption of violent and extreme content on social media in recent times. Simultaneously, field teams report youth spending time on the streets, even during sirens or looking for "dangerous thrills"—such as going out to watch interceptions or carrying knives. In Arab society, ELEM personnel describe additional distress stemming from the economic situation. Many workers in day-labor jobs are not going to work these days, leading to a loss of family income and increased pressure within the home. Simultaneously, there are homes without reinforcement (shelters), and in some cases, entire families move to stay in neighborhood shelters.

Feelings of loneliness among young men and women are also on the rise. In ELEM's accompaniment programs, there are reports of a worsening emotional state, negative thoughts, and social withdrawal, primarily when contact with support factors is conducted remotely. Furthermore, young people living in independent apartments ask to return to centers that include overnight stays due to anxiety about staying in homes that are not reinforced and the feeling of loneliness. Concurrently, there is a noticeable increase in anxiety and flooding, and some young people avoid descending to the protected space during sirens.

Tali Erez, CEO of ELEM-Israel, says that the current security crisis is compounding the hardships of youth already facing complex life situations. "We see in the field that at-risk youth experience this period with great intensity. Some disconnect emotionally and try to ignore the reality, others seek dangerous thrills or stay in the street even during sirens. At the same time, there is an increase in requests for help and feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and helplessness."

"When a boy or girl who already feels transparent or unprotected encounters a reality of war and instability, the distress is likely to deepen very quickly. Therefore, it is precisely now that it is important to pay attention to them, to reach them in the spaces where they are found and offer them an ear and support," Erez emphasizes. "We at ELEM operate in accordance with the instructions of the Home Front Command and in partnership with community services. And alongside this, we try with all possible tools to continue maintaining contact with the youth and be a stable anchor for them even in these crazy days."