Half of Israeli Youth Face Sexual Violence Amid Rising Substance Abuse, Allem Report Shows

The Allem Association, which supports at-risk youth, presented its annual report to Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Sunday, revealing a troubling and unprecedented situation among the young population it serves. The report, based on interactions with approximately 15,000 teenagers over the past year, highlights a sharp increase in distress linked to the deteriorating security situation since October 7. It notes a blurring of lines between "normative youth" and those considered at risk.

According to the findings, about 50% of youth have experienced violence or sexual violence. There is also a dramatic rise in alcohol and drug use, with 66% reporting alcohol consumption, a 21% increase from the previous year, and 45% reporting drug use. Additionally, early 2026 data indicate a 70% surge in self-harm reports and a 73% increase in anger levels, attributed to the ongoing security escalation.

The report describes how youth "recruited survival mechanisms" in 2024, but as the emergency situation eased in 2025, trauma surfaced more visibly. It warns that violence is no longer marginal but a reality affecting nearly every Israeli household, with some youths feeling compelled to carry knives for self-protection. President Herzog emphasized that these harsh statistics are a societal test, stating, "We must not accept a reality where violence, loneliness, and despair become part of young people's daily lives."

Rabbi Shai Piron, Allem's chairman, stressed the need for a broad systemic response, noting that isolated interventions are no longer sufficient to address the crisis.

Summary: The Allem Association's report reveals that half of Israeli youth have experienced sexual violence, with significant increases in substance abuse and self-harm linked to the worsening security situation since October 2023, prompting calls for urgent societal and systemic action.