In Tel Aviv, Israel, as the nation observes 1,000 days since the devastating October 7 attacks led by Hamas, children across the country are embarking on their summer vacation. Many are still processing the profound psychological consequences of the ongoing conflict, facing uncertainties if traveling internationally amidst a global rise in antisemitism, and managing anxieties while at home in a society profoundly affected by nearly three years of sustained warfare.
The Lingering Impact of Conflict
One mother, Lilach, recounted the constant apprehension of venturing outside during the conflict. “The children were rarely in school and spent most of their time confined indoors, often glued to screens,” she explained. She expressed her hope that her children could now socialize with peers and engage in recreational activities. “Tomorrow, Yoni is visiting an amusement park. I simply want them to experience joy, connect with their friends, and rediscover the innocence of childhood,” she stated.
According to Lilach, her children have experienced only a single full year of uninterrupted schooling since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. She described the educational challenges, noting, “It was really tough. They would begin the school year, attend for a month or two, then classes would halt due to escalating tensions with Iran or clashes with Lebanon, only to restart later. Re-establishing a routine was difficult every time; it felt like repeatedly beginning a new academic year.” Despite these frequent interruptions, Lilach’s daughter, Amit, successfully completed high school, a testament to her perseverance and supplementary private tutoring. Her son, Yoni, who lives with attention deficit disorder, found it particularly challenging to remain home for weeks during periods of conflict. He is slated to transfer to a smaller classroom next year to receive enhanced educational assistance.
Another parent, Anat, shared her experience: “Each day, getting my 10-year-old to log into Zoom for online lessons was a constant struggle. It proved exceptionally difficult to maintain both routine and consistency in her education.” As her family plans to travel overseas this summer, Anat explained her efforts to shield her children from the surge of antisemitism that has manifested worldwide throughout the past three years of conflict. She emphasized their family's approach:
“At home, we refrain from discussing individuals around the world who harbor hatred towards us. We embrace everyone, and we simply do not engage in conversations about hate. For our children, the prospect of travel is something truly wonderful that they eagerly anticipate.”She added,
“Despite the immense difficulties we’ve faced, our children exhibit remarkable strength. They have matured rapidly due to their experiences and possess a strong capacity for coping. We do not wallow in self-pity—we are resilient individuals.”
Psychological Toll on Young Lives
Nufar Bar Lipshatz, a developmental psychologist with Clalit Health Services, Israel's largest healthcare provider, specifically in its Northern District, noted that numerous children continue to exhibit indicators of trauma. Drawing on data from Israel’s National Insurance Institute, Bar Lipshatz highlighted that 25,274 children had been formally identified as victims of hostile actions between October 7, 2023, and the close of 2025. She also referenced a collaborative study conducted by the Goshen organization and the Israeli Pediatric Association, which revealed that 84% of Israeli children displayed symptoms of emotional distress by late 2023, following the cross-border terror attack originating from Gaza and Hezbollah's subsequent involvement in the conflict from Lebanon the very next day.
Bar Lipshatz explained,
“We observe a wide range of interconnected symptoms that present uniquely in each child, whether it's a child who becomes speechless, experiences bedwetting, or develops nervous tics.”She continued,
“Trauma is a tangible reality, and children often lack the verbal capacity to articulate it, leading them to express it through their actions. They frequently reenact scenarios like rushing to bomb shelters, their father being called to duty, scenes of war, acts of aggression, and even kidnappings during their playtime.”She recounted an instance where she treated a young girl who found herself unable to ride her bicycle due to an incessant need to glance over her shoulder, constantly checking for someone behind her.
While the summer vacation period might seem to offer a temporary respite, Bar Lipshatz cautioned that extended deviations from established routines can inadvertently intensify anxiety. She elaborated,
“Research consistently demonstrates that children require stability and routine to foster a sense of security. While school breaks may initially make children feel safer by allowing them to sidestep stressful situations, over time, this also means they are circumventing opportunities to confront their fears.”She emphasized,
“It is crucial to equip both parents and children with effective coping mechanisms for stress, as it will not dissipate merely by remaining at home.”
Bar Lipshatz, whose practice also includes working with autistic children, pointed out that travel itself can be particularly demanding, as unfamiliar sounds and congested environments have the potential to evoke traumatic memories. She noted,
“When one embarks on a vacation, they often encounter crowded and noisy places. What we perceive as potentially enjoyable can, in fact, become a trigger.”She shared a personal anecdote about a trip to Romania, where bear-warning sirens in a national park were indistinguishable from Israel's missile alert sounds. She also mentioned a young patient who expressed apprehension about international travel, explaining that even with the ongoing conflict, Israel felt more predictable than an unknown foreign country.
Supporting Children Through Summer
This summer, for the first time, middle school students are engaging in specialized programs focusing on artificial intelligence, STEM disciplines, mathematics, science, and English. The education ministry reported that the highest enrollment figures for these initiatives are concentrated in the northern and southern regions most impacted by the conflict. The ministry further stated its commitment to ongoing emotional support through its Psychological Counseling Service, an expansion of psychological assistance for students requiring it, and the continued operation of its “Voice for All” support hotline throughout the summer months. A statement from the ministry affirmed,
“The educational framework will persist in its efforts to support Israeli students throughout the summer vacation period, aiming to ensure educational, emotional, and social continuity for all students who require it.”
Children impacted by the conflict are also finding solace and support at summer camps, including those organized by OneFamily, a non-profit dedicated to assisting victims of terrorism and warfare, along with their families. Over 400 children, each having endured the loss of an immediate family member due to terrorism or war—with the majority of these losses occurring since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023—are slated to participate in OneFamily's annual summer camp. Held from July 8 to July 13 in the Golan Heights, the camp provides an environment where these young individuals can connect with peers who share comparable experiences of profound grief and bereavement.
A core objective of the camp is to empower children to cultivate resilience while developing strategies to manage their grief. Notably, this year, Chantal Belzberg, the founding director of the organization, was honored with the prestigious Israel Prize for Lifetime Achievement. The schedule of activities encompasses swimming, competitive games, and sports, alongside therapeutic group dialogue sessions. On the final evening, some campers are invited to share personal narratives about their departed loved ones and their individual paths toward healing, culminating in a large concert. Belzberg elaborated on the camp's effectiveness, stating,
“Children come here to enjoy themselves, and through shared activities, they encounter other young people who have undergone similar experiences. This often prompts them to open up and talk. Traditional support services aren't always environments children are eager to attend.”She concluded,
“Our aim is to gather them so they can connect with children who genuinely comprehend their struggles. They come to understand they are not solitary in their pain and can forge a community where feelings of isolation diminish. Indeed, one of the most significant hurdles following trauma is isolation.”