Nirim Organization

The Nirim Organization was founded in 2003 in memory of Sergeant Major Nir Krichman z"l, an Israeli “Navy SEAL” (Shayetet 13) killed in action against terrorists in 2002. His commander, Major Ziv Gershoni – himself once an at-risk teen – together with Nir's family, chose to honor his memory with a transformational education program. Nirim runs unique nationwide therapeutic-education programs whose mission is to transform the lives of Israel's most vulnerable young people – both at-risk and trauma-impacted youth. Through these programs, Nirim returns them to the heart of Israeli society as productive citizens who contribute to their families and their country. Nirim deliberately sets a high bar for teen performance: to earn a complete matriculation certificate, undertake meaningful national service, take personal accountability, and commit to social engagement. Each year, the nonprofit works with more than 850 teens across six programs that together address the diverse needs of at-risk youth and teens living with the effects of trauma.