Over 100 Arab Children Orphaned by Violence Face Increased Crime Risks in Israel
In the Arab community of Israel, the ongoing wave of violence has left more than 100 children orphaned this year alone, with many facing severe emotional and economic hardships. Among them is 10-year-old S', whose father was fatally stabbed while trying to break up a fight in Jisr az-Zarqa. The murder left the family without their main breadwinner and support system, forcing S' and her siblings to live in fear and isolation.
Similarly, Arifa cares for her granddaughter R', who lost her mother to domestic violence when her father killed her and hid the body in a car trunk before burying it. The trauma profoundly affects the children’s daily lives, including their education and mental health. Arifa, now a foster caregiver, strives to provide them with therapy and support despite limited resources.
The nonprofit organization "Hamanayot" tracks these cases and reports that 114 children under 18 have been orphaned by murders since the start of the year, nearly half of them very young. The group operates ten centers in Arab communities offering group activities and emotional support to help children cope with their loss. However, these services are insufficient to meet the demand.
Experts warn that children who witness such violence and lose parental support are at high risk of joining criminal cycles. Hadar Kass, CEO of Hamanayot, emphasizes the urgent need for expanded, specialized programs to address the unique challenges faced by these children.
Government support remains limited, with only two of ten welfare centers for bereaved families operating in Arab areas. Advocates call for systemic changes to provide comprehensive mental health care and economic assistance, aiming to break the cycle of violence and prevent further tragedies.
"The loss of a parent under these circumstances is doubly hard," says Rawiya Handaklo, CEO of Ilaf, a center promoting security in Arab society. "Many families don’t even know who killed their loved ones or if they remain under threat, and women often bear the financial burden alone. Without proper support, it’s easy for these children to be drawn back into crime."
