Shlavim - Lifting Israeli children out of poverty for good

Breaking Cycles. Building Futures.

The largest non-profit solving Israel’s cycle of poverty at its roots.

Across Israel, hundreds of thousands of religious children and families are doing their best to build stable lives—yet remain cut off from quality education, emotional support, and career opportunities.

Shlavim is changing that—child by child, family by family.

Across Israel, hundreds of thousands of religious families face daily struggles—not from lack of ability, but from lack of access. Shlavim is here to change that.

Together, we can equip every underprivileged child, teenager, young adult, and family in Israel with the tools they need to overcome their circumstances and become thriving, productive members of society.

Together, we can equip every underprivileged child in Israel with the tools they need to overcome their circumstances and pursue a healthy, productive future for themself.

Real Impact, Proven Results

254

branches across Israel

12,100

participants in 2024

86%

decrease in dropout rates for boys

5X

increase in post-secondary education for girls

42%

increased monthly income for families

18

years of successful community-based programs

Our Vision

We believe every person—no matter their background—deserves the tools to grow with dignity, purpose, and strength. We don’t offer short-term fixes. We create lifelong change.

What We Do

Transforming Lives, One Step at a Time

Your support empowers students, guides teens, and strengthens families.

When Schools Can’t Meet Students’ Needs

Too many educators lack the training to reach their students or support their emotional growth. Shlavim builds stronger schools—and stronger children—through teacher training, trauma support, and real-world skill-building.

Sefer & Tzameret | Step Up | Ogen

When Children Struggle to Find Direction

Without mentorship and belonging, many children slip through the cracks. Shlavim gives them guidance, identity, and leadership rooted in community and values.

Yachdav | Maavarim

When Families Need a Future

From yeshiva students who want to support a family, to women breaking cycles of poverty—Shlavim opens doors to purpose and independence.

Chanoch | Netiva | Migdalor

Our Programs in Action

Sefer & Tzameret

Training Educators to Lead with Purpose

Step Up

English Skills that Open Doors

Ogen

Trauma Support After October 7

Yachdav

A Youth Movement Rooted in Values

Maavarim

Mentorship that Keeps Boys on Track

Chanoch

Career Readiness Without Leaving Yeshiva

Netiva

Breaking Barriers for Religious Girls

Migdalor

Guiding Families from Crisis to Stability

Our Partners

Testimonials

Principal in the South

“We have tools to manage the emergency, not avoid it. This is the reality we face—it's harsh and painful. The real question is how to handle that pain. Shlavim has provided us with practical models to function optimally during these distressing times.”

Sara R.

“Shlavim showed me that being religious doesn’t restrict you to making pennies. You could be religious and have a rewarding career."

Yishay R.

“My name is Yishay; the Shlavim counselors really care, understand and worry about each kid. A week ago I wasn’t in any yeshiva and Nehorai, the Shlavim counselor, took me to several places, and helped find the right yeshiva for me.”

Boaz G.

"After October 7th, I arrived in Jerusalem with wife and six children. We found ourselves crammed into a tiny apartment, feeling lost and invisible. In the midst of the chaos, Shlavim found us—helping enroll our kids in good schools, sending care packages filled with games and books, and inviting us to uplifting family events. Their support made us feel seen and cared for when we needed it most."