Israel’s Children Navigate Anxiety and Trauma on Summer Vacation
Tel Aviv: Marking 1,000 days since the devastating Hamas-led attacks on October 7, children in Israel are trying to enjoy their summer break, each facing their own unique challenges. Some are still dealing with the mental scars of ongoing conflicts, while others feel the tension of traveling abroad amid a rise in anti-Semitism.
Lilac, a 47-year-old resident of Kibbutz Eilon near the Israel-Lebanon border, shared her hopes for her children—Yuval, Amit, and Yoni—to have the summer they deserve. “It’s been tough during the war; they barely went to school and spent most of their time indoors,” she said, reflecting on the anxiety of leaving home.
“I really just want them to have fun, to be with their friends,” she added, mentioning Yoni’s upcoming trip to an amusement park. In a way, it’s a small step toward normalcy.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, Lilac noted her kids have only experienced one full school year without disruptions. “Each time there was a conflict, it felt like starting over,” she lamented, recalling a cycle of brief returns to classes followed by another halt.
Despite the chaos, Lilac’s daughter Amit graduated high school through sheer determination, but Yoni, diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, faced more considerable hurdles, having struggled to endure weeks confined at home. He’s set to transition to a smaller classroom for added support next year.
Meanwhile, Anat, a father of two who relocated to Kibbutz Iftah shortly after the October 7 attacks, described how his children switched schools three times before home again in February 2025—and then faced another six-week gap due to ongoing conflicts.
“Logistics of online classes were challenging. My son, just 10, struggled to maintain a routine during those difficult times,” he recounted. Now, the family is hopeful about traveling together this summer, trying to shield their children from the wave of global anti-Semitism.
“At home, we focus on love and avoid discussing hate,” Anat explained. “We want our kids to experience the joy of travel, so we focus on that.” Despite facing hardships, he feels his children are remarkably resilient.
Numerous children are still showing signs of trauma, cautioned Nufar Bar Lipschatz, a psychologist with Clalit Health Services. Recent data indicate over 25,000 children in Israel have been recognized as victims of hostilities since the onset of the conflicts. A study pointed out that by late 2023, a staggering 84% of children exhibited psychological distress as violence escalated.
“Every child manifests trauma differently,” she said. “Some may not speak or show regression in behaviors. They often act out their experiences through play.” For example, children might reenact moments of panic or fear from their lives impacted by war.
While summer offers a chance to escape routine stressors, it can inadvertently increase anxiety, according to Bar Lipschatz. “Children need stability to feel secure. A break from school doesn’t mean the underlying stress has vanished,” she warned.
The Israeli Ministry of Education aims to create a sense of normalcy during this break. They’re planning summer programs for around 1.12 million students at an estimated cost of $270 million, allowing them to catch up on schoolwork.
Moreover, discussions around mental health support continue as programs cater to the specific needs of affected children. Organizations like One Family are also stepping in, offering summer camps for over 400 children who have lost family members to terrorism or war. Their camp, scheduled for July 8-13 in the Golan Heights, focuses on building resilience and coping with loss.
“These children may not want traditional therapy, but meeting peers who share similar losses can be incredibly healing,” founder Chantal Belzberg noted. The camp activities promote connection through shared experiences while emphasizing fun and friendship.
Through these collective efforts, there’s hope that despite the unsettling landscape they navigate, these children can find moments of joy and community.
