Shimon, Levy & Yisacher

Domestic background: The father was a violent psychopath, the mother was a weak personality who suffered from depression. When the parents divorced the father was not interested either in maintaining a relationship with, or in caring for his sons. The mother, now destitute was unequipped to raise them. She lacked parenting skills and was unable to provide a stable and nurturing home for the boys.

The three brothers moved into Sanhedria. They were seven, eight and nine years old at the time.

Levy, the oldest child, had a nearly deformed face as a result of severe dental structure. He also stuttered. It was necessary to immediately tend to the dental problems as well as being speech therapy to correct the speech defect.

Levy and his siblings were given much individualized and personal assistance with schoolwork, which helped the boys to succeed academically.

Yisacher, the middle brother was extremely clever although quite aggressive. Shimon, the youngest, was exceptionally bright and fared well with the nurturing he received at Sanhedria and tutelage he was awarded at the Home.

As each boy turned fourteen he returned home to live with his mother. By this time, the children had developed strong study habits, were doing well at school, spoke nicely and in general, were well disciplined. The children’s improved skills and behavior made it easier for their mother to manage with them. Mother and sons were reunited and able to function as a family unit.

The brothers married successfully and today have families of their own. Today, one brother manages his own business, and the others are gainfully employed and holding steady jobs. The three brothers, along with their wives and children have made their homes in Jerusalem.

Names have been altered to protect the privacy of the individuals.

Shmuel’s story…

Shmuel was the son of dysfunctional parents who had not provided him with a stable life style; eg. he was not fed at regular intervals and was unfamiliar with the concept of breakfast lunch & supper. He didn’t go to school. Since Shmuel’s parents were not coping, he went to live with relatives. When the relatives could no longer manage, they brought him to Sanhedria. This was in 1992, when Shmuel was eight years old.

There were enormous gaps between his academic achievements (or lack of them) and those of his peers. Sanhedria provided him with a private teacher for a full year; the boy was bright and progressed. By Shmuel’s second year at Sanhedria, he was ready to attempt school but was inexperienced with the discipline required to sit through the school day. So at first, his surrogate mother (Sanhedria staff) accompanied him and stayed with him at school every day. He adjusted well and advanced. He was an eager student, motivated to succeed. During lunch breaks and whenever he had the opportunity, he chased after his teachers, hoping for their help.

Shmuel successfully completed his high school matriculation and today serves in the Israel Defense Forces. His parents are still dysfunctional; his mother doesn’t want to have anything to do with him and his father is completely out of the picture. When Shmuel is on leave from the army his home is still with his relatives.

Names have been altered to protect the privacy of the individuals.

Eliyahu’s story

Eliyahu came from a large family that suffered many hardships. His parents were sickly and poor. They were unable to provide him with basic care and to nurture his emotional and physical needs.

So at the age of seven, Eliyahu moved into Sanhedria where he was given much personalized attention – psychologically, emotionally and academically. Eliyahu adapted well to his new surroundings and Sanhedria’s devoted personnel helped him mend from the trauma of his earlier years. He studied hard, and displayed great potential.

Today, Eliyahu is doing well both personally and professionally. He is married and has a wonderful family. He served in the Israel Defense Forces, and achieved rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In his private life, he is the director of a Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Yavne. He proudly tells that he found his anchor through the character and traits to which he was exposed at Sanhedria. These qualities have provided him with the courage he needed to meet the challenges & combat the obstacles he faced in his life

Names have been altered to protect the privacy of the individuals.