ELEM in the News

American Friends of ELEM will host its annual Ray of Hope Benefit on Wednesday, Nov. 5 in New York City, honoring two leaders whose dedication to empowering youth reflects the mission of the organization.

I came to Israel this summer expecting a 10-day work trip with ELEM, the Association for At-Risk Youth, visiting programs that serve at-risk youth across the country.

American Friends of ELEM announced Wednesday that San Diego will host Walk B’Yachad – Walking Together for Israel’s Youth on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 8 a.m. in Balboa Park.

At 20 years old, Tzipora Mordechai found herself raising a baby she hadn't wanted, all alone. She was struggling with undiagnosed depression, with no money and no job. "I looked at the baby and told my sister: 'Take her away from me,'" she recalls. Today, at 23, she is a manager at a high-tech company and teaches students through "Last Chance" programs. The journey from rock bottom to success happened through the organization ELEM, where for the first time, she saw herself not just as a "failed mother," as she used to say, but as the strong woman who has been there within her since childhood.

Israel’s leading nonprofit for at-risk youth expands safe spaces for teens returning from evacuation.

“What do you mean Israel has prostitution or trafficking or homelessness?” said Liora Attias-Hadar, CEO of American Friends of ELEM, of those stateside unaware of the more troubled sides of Israeli society.

“Resilience” has long been the goal of Israeli mental health practitioners, an emotional ruggedness allowing Israeli society to bounce back quickly after tragedy.

What conversations are we having with our children? If you believe 15 is too young to talk about respect, consent, and responsibility, I urge you to read about the girl from the North.

"Teens need a steady routine and a safe environment to grow in — right now, they are mostly faced with uncertainty, real physical danger, and traumatizing stories and images.”