Netanya Children’s Home Team Completes Half Marathon in New York
The running team from the Emunah Tzva Elazaraki Children’s Home in Netanya recorded a particularly moving achievement this week, when 15 girls and boys successfully completed the New York Half Marathon held on June 7, 2026. This year’s run was dedicated to the memory of IDF soldier Liran Adri, may his memory be a blessing, from Netanya, who fell during Operation Protective Edge, as well as to the children of the children’s home who remained in Israel.
More than 200 at-risk children and teenagers are raised at the home. Alongside an educational and therapeutic framework, the children receive a full support system that includes emotional, academic, and social guidance. Over the years, the home has become a model of success, with many of its graduates integrating into elite IDF units, academic studies, and key positions in the economy.
For the teenagers, this is much more than a sports challenge. The road to the race was full of obstacles, after the original plan to take part in a marathon in Florida was canceled at the last minute following the outbreak of the “Roaring Lion” war and the closure of Israeli airspace. Just four days before the flight, when the suitcases were already packed and the excitement was at its peak, the participants were forced to deal with deep disappointment.
The running tradition at the children’s home began more than a decade ago as an educational initiative intended to strengthen a sense of capability, perseverance, and teamwork. Over the years, the running group became a competitive team that has taken part in marathons and sporting events in Israel and around the world. For the race participants, the New York Half Marathon was a high point after many months of training and preparation. When they return to Israel, they will bring back not only medals and memories, but also a clear message, perseverance, determination, and faith can lead to any goal.
The running group from the children’s home in Netanya runs a half marathon in New York, official website, photo: Yehuda Cohen. Yehuda Cohen, director of the Emunah Tzva Elazaraki Children’s Home, said: “The past year has placed especially complex challenges before our children, but once again we proved that the Elazaraki family spirit is stronger than any difficulty. The half marathon in New York is not only an extraordinary sports achievement, but also a symbol of the marathon of our children’s lives. They deal with complex life circumstances, and like on the running track, they do not give up, they fight, and they win. We are proud of them for representing the home, the memory of Liran Adri, may his memory be a blessing, and the State of Israel with honor.”
