Israeli children are heading into summer vacation still coping with the psychological effects of nearly three years of conflict, with many exhibiting signs of emotional distress. The ongoing war, marked by disruptions to education and a perceived rise in global antisemitism, continues to shape the childhoods of young Israelis.

For families living near the borders, the concerns are amplified. Parents like Lilach from Kibbutz Eilon express a fervent hope that her children, Yuval, Amit, and Yoni, can finally experience a normal summer break. "I hope they can now spend time with their friends and enjoy activities together," she told Fox News Digital. "I just want them to have fun, be with their friends and enjoy being kids again."

The impact on education has been severe. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many children have had only one uninterrupted year of schooling. Repeated class cancellations due to conflicts with Lebanon and Iran have made it difficult to maintain routines. "It was hard. They would start school, attend for a month or two, then classes would stop because of the war with Iran or fighting with Lebanon, and then resume," Lilach recounted.

Anat, from Kibbutz Yiftah, shared similar challenges, with her children changing schools multiple times after being evacuated following the Oct. 7 attacks. Her 10-year-old daughter struggled with remote learning during extended periods of class cancellations. "Every day, having my 10-year-old log on to Zoom for online classes was a challenge. It was very difficult to maintain a routine and continuity in her learning," Anat said.

Coping with Trauma and Anxiety

Psychological experts note that a significant portion of Israeli children continue to display symptoms of trauma. Data from Israel’s National Insurance Institute indicates that over 25,000 children have been officially recognized as victims of hostile acts since Oct. 7, 2023. A joint study by the Goshen organization and the Israeli Pediatric Association found that 84% of Israeli children showed signs of emotional distress by late 2023.

Nufar Bar Lipshatz, a developmental psychologist, described how trauma manifests in children, often through behavioral issues rather than verbal expression. "Trauma is real, and children can’t always express it with words, so they act it out. They reenact running to shelters, their father being deployed, war, aggression and kidnappings during play," she explained. She recalled a case where a child became afraid to ride a bicycle, constantly looking over her shoulder as if fearing pursuit.

Summer vacation, while offering a potential respite, can also exacerbate anxiety due to the prolonged break from routine. "We know from research that children need stability and routine because it helps them feel safe," Bar Lipshatz stated. "During school breaks, children may feel safer because they are avoiding situations that trigger stress, but over time they are also avoiding facing their fears."

Travel itself can pose challenges for children with trauma, as unfamiliar environments, sounds, and crowds can trigger traumatic memories. Bar Lipshatz cautioned that what might seem like a fun vacation could become a source of stress. One young patient expressed fear of traveling abroad, finding war-torn Israel more predictable than an unknown country.

Educational and Support Initiatives

In response to the ongoing challenges, the Israeli Ministry of Education is extending its programs through the summer, aiming to support approximately 1.12 million students. This initiative includes new programs focused on artificial intelligence, STEM, mathematics, science, and English for middle school students, with higher participation rates reported in war-affected northern and southern communities.

The ministry is also continuing to provide emotional support through its Psychological Counseling Service and its "Voice for All" support hotline. "The education system will continue to support Israeli students during the summer vacation to ensure educational, emotional and social continuity for every student who needs it," a ministry spokesperson said.

Organizations like OneFamily are also offering support through summer camps for children who have lost immediate family members to terrorism or war. The camp aims to help children build resilience and cope with grief through therapeutic group dialogues and shared activities. "Children who have lost a parent, both parents or siblings to terrorism or acts of war don't always want to go to therapy. But when you bring them together with other children who have experienced the same loss, it gives them strength and creates a therapeutic environment," said Chantal Belzberg, OneFamily's founding director.