Kinneret Launches Night Support Centers to Curb Youth Risks During Summer
As summer vacation peaks, thousands of teenagers from across Israel flock to the beaches of the Kinneret, often without adult supervision. This unsupervised presence, especially late at night, combined with peer pressure and curiosity, frequently leads to risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, violence, and vandalism. To address these issues, the "Good Point" initiative has reopened at Kursi Beach, providing professional support and guidance to youth during nighttime hours.
Following previous years' success, the program will expand this summer to the western shore with a new center at Shikmim Beach near Tiberias. According to Yosef Ben Yosef, CEO of the Kinneret Cities Association, the initiative effectively identifies at-risk youth, prevents them from falling into dangerous situations, and discourages aimless wandering that exposes them to negative influences. The program aligns with the "Quiet Beaches" model, which bans music to maintain a calm atmosphere. Ben Yosef urged teenagers to take responsibility for themselves and their friends while enjoying the beaches.
The centers operate nightly from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. and are staffed by about 15 professionals per shift, including social workers, psychologists, and guides, supported by roughly 50 volunteers who patrol the beaches to identify and assist youth in risky situations. Additionally, Kinneret Cities Association inspectors and Israeli police patrol to maintain order and confiscate alcohol from minors. The Kursi Beach center runs until July 30, while the Shikmim Beach center will operate from July 30 through August.
However, the initiative faces challenges this year due to a reduced volunteer turnout, only about 50 volunteers compared to around 100 in previous years. Many regular volunteers, primarily from care, education, and welfare sectors, are currently engaged in trauma and combat stress support related to the ongoing war, limiting their availability for beach activities.
Yossi Nevoa, chairman of the Kinneret Cities Association and mayor of Tiberias, emphasized the importance of the centers in preventing risky situations and providing professional nighttime support. Uri Kalner, head of the Golan Regional Council, highlighted the expansion of nighttime outreach as part of their commitment to offer youth guidance and boundaries even after formal frameworks end.
