Stories of change
Meet Ariel
Ariel arrived at Zoharim Youth Village just two days before the war began on 7th of October. He didn’t know anyone. He didn’t know what to expect. All he knew was that life outside hadn’t been working for him – and he was ready to try something different. Then the sirens started. The fear. The uncertainty. The world felt like it was falling apart, and Ariel had only just landed on his feet. But Zoharim stood strong and it taught him to be strong. Ariel experienced first-hand that at Zoharim, everyone is a family – a family that stays with you until the end. Even in the middle of such challenging times, his purpose continued at Zoharim.
It’s the little things that made the biggest difference. The stable work that brought him peace. The staff who guided him with patience. The boys who became like brothers – not because they shared a past, but because they chose to show up for each other, day after day. Now, Ariel isn’t just surviving. He’s healing, growing, and becoming someone he can be proud of. “Zoharim is more than a place,” he says. “It’s a family. And it’s mine.”
Meet Netanel
Netanel’s deep love for music and singing blossomed at Migdal Ohr, where his talent was quickly recognised and nurtured. He recorded a song for a Bar Mitzvah celebration – a milestone that affirmed not only his gift but also his confidence and sense of purpose.
Inspired by Rabbi Grossman’s warmth, inclusivity, and belief in every child, Netanel discovered that music is far more than performance – it’s a source of joy, connection, and spiritual fulfilment.
Encouraged by his mentors, Netanel went on to share his voice on a national stage, competing in a popular Israeli TV singing competition. Today, his music continues to uplift others, echoing the values he learned at Migdal Ohr: kindness, courage, and the power of believing in yourself.
Meet Krizel
Krizel is an extraordinary young girl who was born without eyes and faced the unimaginable challenge of being abandoned at birth. Growing up with many social and emotional difficulties, her journey could have been one of despair – but instead, Krizel chose resilience. At Migdal Ohr’s Afikei Ohr Girls’ Village, she found the love, stability, and encouragement she needed to flourish. Through the Sulamot Musical Education Programme, Krizel discovered the transformative power of music.
For Krizel, music is more than sound – it is love, joy, and confidence. When she steps onto the stage and sings, she feels proud, empowered, and unstoppable. Today, she shares her beautiful voice with audiences of hundreds, proving that with hope, support, and opportunity, every child can shine.
Meet Shani
Shani’s musical journey began at the age of six when she arrived at Migdal Ohr – a place that quickly became her home and creative sanctuary. With a violin in hand and a dream in her heart, she began to play – and soon, her natural talent shone through. By the age of seven, she was performing confidently, her music expressing emotions words could not. Throughout the years, Shani received unwavering encouragement and love from her teachers and the Migdal Ohr family. Each performance strengthened her confidence, filled her with joy, and reminded her of the endless possibilities that come with dedication and belief.
A graduate of Migdal Ohr’s Machshava School and its Sulamot Music Programme, Shani has turned her childhood dream into reality. Today, she performs as a professional violinist on stages across the world, sharing her own rendition of “Jerusalem of Gold.” Her journey embodies the heart of Migdal Ohr’s mission – nurturing talent, inspiring resilience, and helping every child reach their full potential.
Meet Eliyahu
For a long time, Eliyahu felt like he didn’t belong anywhere. He had left the only world he’d ever known – the strict boundaries of the Charedi community – in search of something more. What exactly, he didn’t know. All he knew was that the pressure weighed too heavy, and the silence inside him was growing louder. Without structure or support, he drifted. From school to school. From job to job. From place to place. No one noticed he was struggling. And eventually, he stopped expecting anyone to. That’s when he found Zoharim Youth Village. “I remember arriving and thinking… this place is amazing,” he says, still surprised by it. “After everything – the loneliness, the rejection, the confusion – I’d finally found somewhere peaceful.”
For the first time in years, Eliyahu felt safe. Not just physically, but emotionally. At Zoharim, he met people who saw him – really saw him – and didn’t try to fix or change him. They listened. They cared. They gave him space to breathe and the support to begin again. “There’s something about this place. The people are amazing. There’s this feeling of family, of connection. And that’s something I’ve never truly had before.” Today, Eliyahu wakes up with a sense of purpose. And most importantly, believing in himself and in a future he never thought possible. Zoharim didn’t just give him a place to stay. It gave him a home, and with it, hope.
Meet Meet Noa
Noa is an adorable, sweet, and always cheerful young girl with Down syndrome who is a beloved part of the Migdal Ohr family. Despite facing family challenges, she continues to thrive at Pninat Ohr, Migdal Ohr’s special needs school, where she receives the care, encouragement, and love every child deserves.
Full of energy and joy, Noa loves singing and dancing and dreams of one day becoming a singer. Through her contagious smile and positive spirit, she brings happiness to everyone around her.
At Migdal Ohr, Noa feels deeply loved, accepted, and celebrated for who she is. Her story is a shining example of Migdal Ohr’s belief that every child – regardless of ability or background – deserves the opportunity to grow, dream, and reach their full potential.
