Northern Israel
Supporting Children Facing Conflict: Northern Israel
Program Start: May 2026
All Hands & Hearts believes every child facing conflict deserves support. In Northern Israel, we are providing kits that bring play, art, and connection into the spaces where children are navigating the fear and uncertainty of war.
Disaster Profile
Children experience fear, trauma, and uncertainty in growing war in the Middle East.
Since the war with Iran started on February 28, 2026, children living in the Middle East have once again been subject to the trauma of war and conflict. The war is growing and impacts are multiplying across countries and communities. Children have been killed or injured across the region – Lebanon, Iran, Israel, and Bahrain. Beyond the physical injuries and death toll, children are exposed to trauma, fear and uncertainty – with disruptions to school and normal routines. Exposure to violence, destruction and loss of loved ones can manifest in children through reactions such as depression, nightmares and difficulty sleeping, aggressive or withdrawn behavior, sadness and fear, among others.
In Northern Israel, children have faced disruptions of school, been exposed to loud explosions and falling shrapnel, and were forced into underground bomb shelters with just 15 seconds to reach safety when sirens scream in anticipation of missile and drone attacks. This reality is especially intense in the municipality of Kiryat Shmona in northern Israel, close to the Lebanon border.
Our Response
Supporting child-friendly spaces with children’s healing kits
An important tool to help manage and address trauma for children in conflict zones is support for child-friendly-spaces, parents and caregivers. Recreational and expressive activities for children experiencing trauma are an important part of helping children cope and eventually recover.
As such, AH&H is supporting child-friendly spaces in community bomb shelters and schools through the provision of children’s healing kits. These kits are for young children and adolescents and include art supplies (coloring books, paint, pads), activities and games, construction games, balls, and toys to help children cope and heal from trauma.
It’s practical support to help children cope with the fear and danger of sirens and missiles through play, games and artistic expression.
