School for At-Risk Youth Finds Success Through Love and Support
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Chananel Tzur founded the Tzur Israel school 22 years ago to support religious youth who have dropped out of traditional education. The school offers a supportive, family-like environment focused on helping students pass matriculation exams while addressing challenges like screen addiction and early independence. The program has successfully educated 140 students, with many more seeking admission, and emphasizes love and acceptance as key to its success.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Chananel Tzur founded Tzur Israel school 22 years ago for religious youth dropouts.
- The school helps students pass matriculation exams in a supportive, non-coercive environment.
- 140 students are currently enrolled, with a significant waiting list.
- The school's success is attributed to love, acceptance, and tailored educational plans.
- Tzur's own son, a former dropout, now has his children attending the school.
Chananel Tzur, known as Rabeh, founded the Tzur Israel school in the Pisgat Ze'ev settlement 22 years ago to help dropout teenagers from the religious sector. The school, which Tzur established after his own son struggled with the traditional education system, has since helped thousands of young people. Tzur explained that his nickname, Rabeh, was given to him by the community because the school aims to reconnect students with their faith.
The school's program began with Tzur's son and a few friends who wanted an alternative to traditional schooling. They developed a two-year program where students study four hours a day and work for the remainder, focusing on passing matriculation exams. Initially serving seven boys, the program expanded to include girls and now educates 140 students, with many more on a waiting list.
Tzur attributes the rise in youth dropouts to modern challenges like addiction, screen time, and the desire for early financial independence, making traditional long school days difficult. Tzur's school offers a supportive, non-coercive environment, tailoring educational plans to individual students and committing to help them pass exams if they attend. He emphasized that the school is a Ministry of Education-recognized institution, but its focus is on student well-being rather than solely on matriculation rates.
The school operates as a family-like unit, with small groups led by mentors who provide 24/7 support. Students have input into their daily routines, including shared meals and discussions on current or educational topics. Tzur highlighted that the key to the school's success is love and acceptance, creating a space where students feel valued and supported, which prevents them from acting out against educational and religious frameworks.
Tzur shared a story of a girl with mental health issues who was almost dismissed but eventually recovered and went on to work with at-risk youth. His own son, who initially struggled, is now an electronics engineer and a father of eight, with his children also attending the Tzur Israel school, representing a second generation benefiting from the program. Tzur concluded by stressing the importance of patience, love, inclusion, and non-judgmental support for teenagers.