From Extremist Sect to Stable Life: A Young Man's Journey

Moshe Avraham, now 22, recounts a challenging childhood within an extremist Haredi community in Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood. Raised to distrust outsiders, including the IDF and secular Israelis, his life took a drastic turn at age 13 when his family discovered his secret mobile phone. This led to his expulsion from home, forcing him to live on the streets, in shelters, and public restrooms.

During Sukkot when he was 14, with nowhere to go, Moshe and his sister slept in a Sukkah in Jerusalem's Sacher Park. This experience left him with deep trauma associated with the holiday, symbolizing his homelessness. "Sukkot for me is a trauma, because it's the story of my life, that I didn't have a home," he stated.

Following his discovery by welfare authorities, Moshe was connected with the "Otot" organization, which supports at-risk youth. Despite initial fear due to his upbringing, he found a supportive environment at their "Etganatna" facility. The organization provided him with shelter, education, and vocational training.

After several years of navigating between institutions and the streets, Moshe eventually settled into a long-term hostel with Otot. He completed high school and pursued electrical engineering studies. Today, he works as an electrician, is financially independent, and is in a committed relationship.

Yoav Hartal, development and partnerships manager at Otot, expressed pride in Moshe's transformation, highlighting the organization's role in providing a safe space and facilitating a long process of trust-building, education, and preparation for independent life. Moshe now looks forward to celebrating Sukkot with his partner and her family, cherishing the tools he gained from Otot to cope with his past. His ultimate dream is to build a family and ensure his children never experience the homelessness he endured.