Maagaley Shema

Maagaley Shema association accompanies deaf and hard of hearing children, adolescents and youth for decades now. Routinely, the association provides a response of continuous services and accompanies the children through social clubs, Team Leaders' Training and guidance for the younger groups, through preparation for the army and national service towards a meaningful military service. The organization supports and assists students as they begin their journey in higher education institutions, guiding them towards optimal integration into the workforce. Additionally, our social workers provide guidance and support, while our community relations team conducts workshops on effective communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, reaching thousands of people each year. Then October 7th happened, shocking the entire nation. Within days, we grasped the magnitude of the challenge faced by the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, who cannot hear the sirens and rely on technology to receive Home Front Command alerts. We also understood the weight of the responsibility on our shoulders and launched an emergency program: • For 300 children and teenagers displaced from their homes in the north for over a year with no horizon to return in sight, we distributed personal computers to support remote learning, organized recreational activities so they could simply find joy and be kids, and we're still continuing to provide guidance to parents and staff with resilience training. • For the youth group members of the center who needed strengthening social activities and the creation of a routine amidst the war, we've managed to maintain a full weekly schedule of activities. These sessions provide support, foster resilience, and create a space for open dialogue about this challenging time. Our outstanding team of instructors continuously supports the weekly activities, as well as the participants and their families. • For the entire deaf and hard-of-hearing community in the country, we made emergency guidelines accessible across all media channels. We continue to operate an accessible WhatsApp service 24/7 for any issues or requests for assistance. We also serve as a liaison between the deaf and hard-of-hearing community and the Home Front Command. • For soldiers and recruits before their military service, we placed significant emphasis on the preparation program for the army and national service, as each soldier is especially important during this time, and we all need to contribute and serve. • Adopt a Participant – Our clubs also welcome participants from low socio-economic backgrounds. They receive a hot meal, food baskets, and take part in activities for free. We will always accept anyone in need of help! Equally important, we maintained the continuity of all our services, during the war and with a reduced staff, some of whom went to fight to protect us all. Our goal is to maintain the resilience of the youth group members and youngsters of Maagaley Shema. Who would have thought that a year later, there would still be a war here? Who would have thought that a year later, 300 deaf children and their families still hadn't returned home? Who would have thought that in 2025, we would still need to continue running our emergency programs alongside our regular services? And this is where we need your help! Many resources are already being directed to the Gaza border area, to treat the wounded and support the displaced, and the path to recovery is still long. This is important and essential, and we are all partners in providing help and contributions! And yet, we turn to you – our society must continue to support those in need. This is the resilience of society; this is the beautiful Israeli society. Donate to us so that we can continue running the emergency program alongside our regular programs. So that we don't abandon any child, teenager, or young adult who needs us now more than ever during this time. So that we can do this with resilience and hope for quieter and better days ahead. click to watch the campaign video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?...