The SOS Children’s Villages team made the decision after assessing the risks to the children—determining the village unsafe due to its proximity to airstrikes that could negatively impact the children’s physical and emotional health.
“Our main concern is the safety of the children, their caregivers and our staff,” Interim National Director Ghada Hachem said. “Staying in an unsecure environment would not only affect their security, but also their mental health. We are committed to do whatever the situation requires to ensure their safety at all times and in all circumstances.”
All children and caregivers were prepared for the relocation in an age-appropriate manner, Hachem added. During the relocation, children brought their favorite belongings, providing an additional layer of safety and security.
"We will always be there for them,” Hachem said. “Every time we witness the fear in their eyes during a nearby airstrike or when they hear difficult news, we are more committed to providing solutions that can help ease their distress. Our mission is to ensure they have access to safety, support and comfort at all times.”
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August, 5, 2024
In a recent, heartbreaking attack, dozens of children and teenagers were injured or killed in both Israel and Lebanon. The national directors of SOS Children’s Villages in both locations are “deeply concerned” about the impact of the increasing violence on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of children in their care.
Both villages are diligently working to ensure children are physically safe and emotionally supported in these turbulent times—investing in a new generator, equipping shelters with emergency supplies and creating evacuation plans in case an urgent relocation becomes necessary.
“As tensions escalate, we are committed to ensuring their safety and emotional stability,” Ghada Hachem, interim national director of SOS Children’s Villages in Lebanon said.
“We are ready to swiftly relocate them if necessary, ensuring a smooth and secure transition. Our priority is to provide a safe and supportive environment, no matter the circumstances.”
The horrors of war sow deep trauma in children, which can have long-term effects on their social and emotional development. Israel and Lebanon villages are providing mental health care so children can cope with the fear and trauma.
“The tension that has risen in recent days increases the stress and trauma our children have been experiencing since October 7,” Nelly Geva, the national director of SOS Children’s Villages in Israel said. “We recognize the increased need for psychological care and therapy to help our children cope with fear and potential trauma. In response, we have significantly increased the working hours of our therapeutic and psychological staff. Additionally, our teams have undergone specialized training and have been instructed to demonstrate heightened sensitivity and alertness to the children's distress.”
The villages are also implementing educational and recreational activities to support children’s mental and emotional health.
“These initiatives aim to keep the children engaged, reduce stress, and maintain a sense of normalcy as much as possible,” Geva said. “Our commitment remains unwavering: to provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children and youth. We are dedicated to ensuring that every child receives the support and care they need during these challenging times.”
Every child deserves a loving family and a safe life. We urge people on all sides to act quickly to care for and protect children affected by this conflict.
Please partner with us today to help provide humanitarian aid in places children need it most, like Israel and Lebanon.
Your donation to the Children in Crises Fund helps ensure children have the essentials they need, like emergency supplies, physical and mental health care, evacuation resources and more. Together, we can ensure this present peril doesn’t define their futures.
We will continue our work in Israel, Lebanon and Palestine to support children and families, and we implore you to join us in caring for children in these life-threatening situations.