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This June, 85 students graduated from Hadassah Neurim Youth Aliyah Village, and 80 students graduated from Meir Shfeyah Youth Aliyah Village, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in their lives and the beginning of an exciting new one.
These are not ordinary graduates. They began ninth grade just as the Covid-19 pandemic was waning and, after several years of uncertainty, looked forward to a more typical high school experience. Instead, on October 7, 2023, their world changed once again.
Over the past four years, the students have navigated not only the challenges of adolescence, but also national trauma and multiple wars. Through it all, they have demonstrated resilience, determination and strength.
The graduation celebrations themselves reflected the challenges of recent years. While the ceremony at Hadassah Neurim was held just before the latest Iranian attacks, the ceremony at Meir Shfeyah was initially postponed amid fears of continued escalation before ultimately taking place after relative calm returned.
As these graduates embark on their next chapters, Hadassah remains committed to supporting students and alumni as they continue pursuing their goals.
This year, Hadassah was proud to award scholarships to four youth village alumni: Emanuel and Leora from Hadassah Neurim and Margarita and Oksana from Meir Shfeyah.
Oksana, who is currently studying social work, beautifully captured the impact the villages have on the young people who call them home.
"My time at Meir Shfeyah Youth Village as part of the Naale program was an incredibly meaningful period that helped shape the person I am today. Making aliyah to Israel at a young age, without my family, required me to develop exceptional independence, maturity and resilience. Living and studying at the village taught me the true meaning of mutual responsibility and exposed me to the profound importance of supporting and helping others. Those years at the village inspired the deep aspiration and central purpose of my life: to pursue a profession through which I can help people, support vulnerable populations and contribute to society in the most meaningful way possible."
Oksana's words reflect what the Hadassah-supported youth villages strive to provide every student who comes through the villages: a supportive community, opportunities to grow and the confidence to imagine a future filled with purpose.
As this year's graduates take their next steps, Hadassah is proud of all they have accomplished and excited for all that lies ahead.
Hadassah looks forward to seeing the impact the class of 2026 will make on the world.
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