Since the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been regulations to self-isolate, practice social distancing and some were forced into mandatory quarantine. These past few months have taken a toll on everyone, so news that Israel is relaxing some restrictions, was of course welcome. While social distancing rules are still in place, citizens in Israel are now able to travel away from home. Our staff at the Ben Gurion Youth Center in Sderot were quick to take advantage of these new regulations in a creative way.

They invited the teens one-by-one and asked each of them to create a short video in front of the after school center for their friends and counselors. The teens used this opportunity to describe how they’ve kept busy during these past few months, express which activity they missed the most and to also mention which restaurant they want to visit first once the pandemic is over. 

More importantly, it is clear the teens miss attending the after school program as they have not been able to enjoy the center or see their friends for almost two months! They were ecstatic to be back, even in a limited fashion. 

We hope the center will reopen soon and that the teens can return for regular programming.