SouthernWorldwide.com – As Israel approaches the grim milestone of 1,000 days since the Hamas-led Oct. 7 massacre, many Israeli children are commencing their summer vacation while still grappling with the psychological scars of war.
For some, the summer brings the anxiety of traveling abroad amidst rising global antisemitism. Others face the persistent unease of living in a nation profoundly altered by nearly three years of conflict on multiple fronts.
One mother, Lilach, shared the constant worry that permeated their lives during periods of conflict. “During the war, there was always concern about leaving home. The kids were barely in school and spent most of their time indoors in front of screens,” she recounted.
She expressed a deep hope for a more normal summer for her children. “I hope they can now spend time with their friends and enjoy activities together. Tomorrow, Yoni is going to an amusement park. I just want them to have fun, be with their friends and enjoy being kids again,” Lilach added.
The impact of the ongoing situation on education has been significant. Lilach noted that since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020, her children have experienced only one full, uninterrupted year of schooling.
“It was hard. They would start school, attend for a month or two, then classes would stop because of the war with Iran or fighting with Lebanon, and then resume. It was difficult to get back into a routine each time. It felt like starting a new school year over and over again,” she explained.
Despite these persistent disruptions, Lilach’s daughter Amit managed to graduate high school, a testament to her determination and the benefit of private tutoring. Her son, Yoni, who has attention deficit disorder, found the extended periods at home during fighting particularly challenging. He will be moving to a smaller classroom next year to receive additional support.
Another parent, Anat, described the daily struggle of her 10-year-old daughter attending online classes via Zoom. “Every day, having my 10-year-old log on to Zoom for online classes was a challenge. It was very difficult to maintain a routine and continuity in her learning,” Anat said.
As her family plans to travel abroad this summer, Anat has made a conscious effort to shield her children from the global surge in antisemitism. “We don’t talk at home about people around the world who hate us. We love everyone, and we don’t talk about hate, period. For them, traveling is something wonderful that they can’t wait for,” she stated.
“Despite how difficult it has been, our children are strong. They have grown up quickly because of everything they’ve been through and know how to cope. We don’t feel sorry for ourselves—we’re fighters,” Anat emphasized.
Nufar Bar Lipshatz, a developmental psychologist with Clalit Health Services in Israel’s Northern District, confirmed that many children continue to exhibit signs of trauma.
She cited data from Israel’s National Insurance Institute indicating that 25,274 children had been officially recognized as victims of hostile acts between Oct. 7, 2023, and the end of 2025. Furthermore, a joint study by the Goshen organization and the Israeli Pediatric Association revealed that by late 2023, a staggering 84% of Israeli children displayed symptoms of emotional distress following the cross-border terror assault from Gaza and Hezbollah’s subsequent involvement from Lebanon.
“We see many symptoms that are connected but manifest differently in each child, whether it’s a child who can’t speak, wets their pants, or develops [nervous] tics,” Bar Lipshatz explained. “Trauma is real, and children can’t always express it with words, so they act it out. They reenact running to shelters, their father being deployed, war, aggression and kidnappings during play.”
She shared a poignant example of a young girl who developed a fear of riding her bicycle, constantly looking over her shoulder as if expecting someone to be behind her.
While summer vacation might offer a temporary respite, Bar Lipshatz cautioned that extended breaks from routine can inadvertently exacerbate anxiety. “We know from research that children need stability and routine because it helps them feel safe. During school breaks, children may feel safer because they are avoiding situations that trigger stress, but over time they are also avoiding facing their fears,” she said.
“We need to give parents and children the tools to cope with stress because it will not disappear simply by staying at home,” Bar Lipshatz stressed.
For children with autism, Bar Lipshatz noted that travel itself can present significant challenges. Unfamiliar sounds and crowded environments can easily trigger traumatic memories.
“When you go on vacation, you go to places with lots of people and noise. What we think could be fun can actually become a trigger,” she observed, recounting a trip to Romania where bear-warning sirens in a national park sounded remarkably similar to Israel’s missile alerts.
She also mentioned a young patient who expressed a fear of traveling abroad, feeling that Israel, despite the ongoing conflict, offered a more predictable environment than an unfamiliar country.
In an effort to provide continuity and support, the Ministry of Education is introducing new summer programs. For the first time, middle school students will have access to programs focused on artificial intelligence, STEM subjects, mathematics, science, and English.
The ministry reported that communities in the northern and southern regions, which have been most affected by the war, are seeing the highest participation rates in these programs.
Furthermore, the ministry is committed to ongoing emotional support through its Psychological Counseling Service. They plan to expand psychological services for students in need and will keep their “Voice for All” support hotline operational throughout the summer months.
“The education system will continue to support Israeli students during the summer vacation to ensure educational, emotional and social continuity for every student who needs it,” the ministry affirmed.
Children impacted by the war are also finding solace and community at summer camps organized by OneFamily, an organization dedicated to supporting victims of terrorism and war and their families.
More than 400 children, each having lost a close family member to terrorism or war, predominantly since the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, are participating in OneFamily’s annual summer camp. Held in the Golan Heights from July 8 to July 13, the camp provides a space for them to connect with peers who share similar experiences of grief and loss.
A core objective of the camp is to foster resilience and equip children with coping mechanisms for their grief. This year, the organization’s founding director, Chantal Belzberg, received the prestigious Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement.
The camp’s activities include a blend of recreational pursuits like swimming, competitions, and sports, alongside therapeutic group dialogue circles. On the final evening, some campers share personal stories about their lost loved ones and their healing journeys, culminating in a celebratory concert.
“They come to have fun, and through the activities they meet other children who have gone through the same thing. That’s when they begin to talk. Traditional support services are not always places where children want to go,” Belzberg stated.
“We bring them together so they meet children who truly understand them. They realize they are not alone and can build a community where they don’t feel isolated. One of the greatest challenges after trauma is isolation,” she concluded.
