Israel

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Israel).

Israel is a country located in Western Asia. Around ten million people live in the country, with Tel Aviv as its economic and technological center; and Jerusalem as its unrecognized capital.Tourists are attracted to the country, which is considered a high-income country, for its many historical and religious sites. Israel borders Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the Palestinian territories of West Bank and the Gaza Strip; it shares maritime borders with Cyprus. All these countries have experienced, or continue to experience, instability and violence. The lives of children and families in the region are continuously affected by these disputes.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Israel since 1977.

Children are at risk

There are about 2.5 million children in Israel, which means that almost 28% of the total population is under 14 years old. These children live in a high-income economy and enjoy a high quality of education, which is compulsory until the age of 17. However, Israel is in the midst of ongoing conflict and children are affected by violence. In addition, the country suffers from widespread income and gender inequality, and children are particularly affected by the consequences of this inequality.
2,300
Children were killed in the conflict

Violence and insecurity

Israel has been at the centre of conflicts in recent decades. The violence and instability caused by these conflicts have devastating consequences for children. In the last two decades, about 2,300 children have been killed in the region. Children are not only affected by the direct consequences of conflict, as they lack access to clean water, shelter and food and live in fear. They also suffer from the long-term effects, for example by getting post-traumatic stress syndrome.

27.5%
Of children live in poverty

Poverty

Although Israel has developed a strong economy, many people in the country still live in poverty and are affected by social exclusion. 17% of the population live below the poverty line, making the country one of the poorest of the OECD countries. Children are even more affected by these harsh living conditions, with 27.5% of children living in poverty. Due to the large income inequality among the population, other areas of well-being are also affected, with large inequalities in education, health and life satisfaction.

22%
Is the wage gap in Israel

Gender gap

In Israel, gender gaps in education and employment persist. Girls perform 10% worse in education, one of the largest gaps among OECD countries. Israel also has the second largest wage gap among OECD countries in employment, at 22%. This could be partly due to two reasons. First, religion is officially integrated into the Israeli state and determines services and legal status. Second, the Israeli military plays an important role in the functioning of the state and society. This Israeli gender inequality affects children the most.

Together we can make a difference for children in Israel

100
Children
Learn at our kindergartens and schools
130
Children
Grow up in our care
80
Children and young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Today is Lital's first day of school and she is already very excited. Her SOS mother supports her and packs her school bag together with her. Now she is ready for the big day! (Photo: SOS Children’s Villages Israel)

Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!

Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives