Zoharim’s Safe Haven: Creating Community and Resilience for Israeli Teens in the Kineret Zula
- August 9, 2024
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It’s been a hard time for Israelis with the ongoing war, the challenges of living in uncertainty, the multitude of losses and grief, and the constant threat. For already at-risk youth, this poses even greater challenges. However, amidst this turmoil, there are rays of hope and resilience between the boys at Zoharim Youth Village.
One such beacon is the creation of safe spaces known as “zulas.” In Israel, a “zula” is a known safe space, free from drugs and alcohol, where partygoers and teens can escape the craziness of their surroundings, the hardships they encounter, or the all-night parties and raves they attend. These sanctuaries offer a reprieve from the chaos, providing much-needed support and community for the most struggling teens.
Every year, Zoharim teens create a “zula” along the borders of the Kineret (the Sea of Galilee) near the beaches for their peers. It acts as a haven for teens to hang out, with volunteer “staff” offering a listening ear, helping with troubles, providing meals, and acting as a supportive arm. It’s truly something special, usually seen around Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
This year, the “zula” has taken on a life of its own. Throughout the year, Zoharim alumni and youth from other villages have created “zulas” at raves, staying in touch with the teens they met—sometimes even visiting them at home, helping them find youth villages and schools where they could find their place.
This year’s ” Zula” is less of a drop-in and more of an invitation-only space for the teens involved all year, providing a special place to retreat. These teens are responsible for daily cleaning and food prep tasks, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the space. This creates a strong sense of community and belonging, which is fantastic for the attending teens. Several shabbatons have even been arranged with them at the Zoharim Youth Village and the dorm families.
With summer in full swing, the Kineret “zula” they have been building up to is finally here! The alum crew organising it raised their funds, met with social workers, participated in team-building activities, and celebrated Shabbat together beforehand at Zoharim.
We’re incredibly proud of all our teens’ gains at Migdal Ohr and are encouraged to see them step up and pay it forward. This is a tremendous source of joy and resilience for Zoharim and everyone who supports this fantastic youth village.
If you’d like to learn more about the incredible Zoharim Youth Village and the projects they run, click here: https://migdalohr.org.uk/projects/#zoharim-village