For kids’ sake: Shanti House battles the odds to save Israel's abandoned youth

For over 40 years, Shanti House has been a crucial lifeline for Israel's abandoned youth, offering a safe haven and essential support to those aged 14 to 21. With three branches across the country, the organization provides a vital anchor for young people who have fled dysfunctional family situations, often escaping violence and life-threatening circumstances.

These vulnerable individuals frequently face substance abuse and exposure to danger and exploitation as they navigate the harsh realities of life on the streets. Shanti House, founded in 1984 by Mariuma Klein, emerged from her personal understanding of the severe plight of these youngsters. Klein, now in her sixties, has remained at the helm, steering the institution through significant logistical, financial, and emotional challenges.

Klein's deep personal connection to the struggles of the residents fuels her dedication. Having experienced similar hardships, she possesses a profound understanding of what these young people have endured before finding refuge within Shanti House's welcoming gates. They often arrive battered, bruised, scarred, and with a deep-seated mistrust of the adult world that, at best, neglected them and, at worst, subjected them to cruelty.

The centers, including one in the Negev, offer therapeutic programs like horseback riding, hydrotherapy, and art therapy, alongside opportunities to connect with nature. These initiatives aim to foster healing and provide a sense of security and belonging for teenagers taking their first steps toward adulthood.

“

I was approaching the end of my military service. I was not yet 20, and my partner was 25 years older than me.