Nirim

Nirim is reshaping futures – using therapeutic education to spark excellence in highly vulnerable youth.

NIRIM’S DEEP ROOTS
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.
PROVEN INTERVENTIONAL PROGRAMSNirim 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.

A SERIOUS PROBLEM AFFECTING YOUTH
The reality Nirim operates in is growing more acute. Roughly 440,000 Israeli children and teens – about 14% of the country's young people – are classified as at-risk, yet only 2% receive any form of treatment (State Comptroller's Report, 2025).
Years of war accelerated trends that long preceded it, and the adolescents who were thrust into October 7th without basic coping tools are paying the heaviest price. School dropout has risen by about 30%, and new anxiety diagnoses among ages 12–17 have grown by 31% (National Council for the Child, Children in Israel 2025). About 23,000 children and youth have been recognized as victims of hostilities, most of whom receive no adequate therapy (National Council for the Child, October 2025). 40% of young people affected by the war report a decline in their sense of self-efficacy and a growing need for ongoing psycho-social care (Prof. Yafit Solimani and Dr. Yuval Pladi, 2024).
Alongside these mental health issues, youth violence, criminal charges against minors, and substance use have all risen sharply.

NIRIM TRANSFORMS LIVES
Against this backdrop, Nirim and a study conducted at Tel-Hai College (Dr. Anat Ben Gal, 2022) prove another path is possible. The research found that approximately 85% of Nirim graduates earn a full matriculation certificate, 90% go on to meaningful Israel Defense Forces (IDF) or National Service positions, 87% cease criminal or risky behavior, and 85% sustain stable, quality employment over time.

Nirim

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