On Thursday, December 5, community members gathered for a meaningful breakfast meeting with ImpactIsrael, one of the Jewish Federation’s global allocation partners, to learn about their critical work with at-risk youth at Yemin Orde Youth Village. The event offered a powerful update on how the Village continues to provide stability, healing, and hope to Israeli teens in the wake of the ongoing war.
The featured speaker, Boaz Schwartz, Director of Yemin Orde Youth Village, shared personal insights from the front lines. Boaz, who served for seven months in reserve duty as a Lieutenant Colonel of a tank battalion following the October 7 attacks, returned full-time to Yemin Orde at the start of this school year. He spoke movingly about the challenges youth face amid the current conflict and how the Village fosters resilience through the Village Way—a holistic educational philosophy that has transformed the lives of over 400 teens.
“I’ve seen firsthand the toll this war has taken on our youth,” Boaz remarked. “But I also see incredible strength. Every day, we help them not only survive but thrive—building dreams for their future and for a brighter, more united Israel.”
Many teens at Yemin Orde had already fled violence and instability in Ukraine just two years ago, only to face another war with the attacks on October 7. To support these youth, the Federation provided additional funding through its Ukraine Emergency Fund, ensuring they receive the specialized care they need during this difficult time.
“It filled us with optimism to see how deeply the Atlanta Jewish community cares about the at-risk youth at Yemin Orde,” said Robert Arogeti, a national board member of ImpactIsrael. “The community’s commitment ensures these teens have the resources to overcome their past, meet today’s challenges, and fulfill their potential for success.”
Lewis Shubin and Robert Arogeti, both national board members of ImpactIsrael, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to introduce ImpactIsrael to a new generation of engaged Federation leadership in Atlanta. For over four decades, Atlanta has been at the forefront of supporting Yemin Orde and ImpactIsrael’s mission. Notably, Atlanta was the first community in the Federation system to make a special allocation to Yemin Orde in the early 1980s. Today, more than twenty Federations across the country continue this legacy as annual supporters of ImpactIsrael.
About ImpactIsrael
ImpactIsrael is the philanthropic arm of Yemin Orde Youth Village and Village Way Educational Initiatives. Its mission is to empower Israel’s at-risk youth, transforming them into successful, well-adjusted members of society through value-driven education and support.
About Yemin Orde Youth Village
Located in the Carmel Mountains, south of Haifa, Yemin Orde is home to over 400 at-risk Jewish teens from Israel and around the world. Through the Village Way methodology, Yemin Orde equips youth—many of whom are survivors of trauma, neglect, or instability—with the tools to become empowered leaders and build a better future.
The breakfast meeting served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact we can make in the lives of those in need, especially during such challenging times. Thank you to all who attended and continue to support ImpactIsrael and Yemin Orde Youth Village.
