Areas of Activity

Around 650 children and youth who were born in Israel live in Jerusalem and are educated in the Israeli education system from 3 years old. According to city policy, all refugee children are integrated and dispersed in various educational institutions across the city.  

Refugee children face many challenges, but the main one is that they grow up without official status. At the age of 16, they receive the same "infiltrator" visa as their parents, despite being born in Israel.

One of JACC’s main goals for the coming years is to develop support programs for refugee children and to find a dedicated facility that can serve as their safe haven for after-school activities.

Current programs include:  

• "Big Brother" Program: This program provides one-on-one mentoring for children once a week, focusing on academia or emotional support as needed. The mentorship lasts for at least one school year and is highly sought after.

• Track and Field Team: Integration of refugee children in the athletics group at the Givat Ram Stadium. The organization subsidizes class fees, and the children participate in weekly training.  

• Basketball Team: In cooperation with YMCA Sports Center, boys join the basketball team with children from east Jerusalem, participating in several weekly practices and internal games.

We are considering additional enrichment activities for the coming year, such as dance, swimming, and soccer. Additionally, we are looking for a dedicated space for a learning center and youth club.

For information and initiatives in this area, please contact Valdi, Department Manager, at 055-9986982.

JACC’s Rights Advocacy Center offers personalized assistance in key areas: health, employment, and legal status. We assist approximately 500 people annually.

• Health: Our team assists those without health insurance or basic coverage and requiring medical treatment. With our partners, we help individuals access professional and appropriate medical care. Volunteers also accompany people to medical appointments to assist them in navigating the healthcare system.

• Employment: Legal assistance for those whose employment rights are violated. Employment rights in Israel apply equally to everyone, regardless of their status, but language barriers and limited job opportunities expose refugees to exploitation by Israeli employers. Thanks to our volunteers, we are able to help people demand the wages they are legally entitled to, and assist with lawsuits when necessary.

• Legal Status: Assistance with visa renewals, asylum applications, and information about exit pathways from Israel.

For more information and initiatives, please contact Maya, Department Manager, at 055-2720169.

The Psycho-Social Support Department provides emotional, psychological, and social support to families and individuals in distress, offering both individual and group therapy sessions.  

We also provide humanitarian assistance in situations requiring medical and financial help and run group programs to foster community resilience.

• Community Resilience Programs: These programs aim to equip the community with tools to strengthen its own resilience and offer support in areas of need. Current programs include a parenting course, a women’s circle, and a men’s group. The groups meet 8-10 times, several times a year, and are facilitated by volunteers and expert professionals.

• Individual Support for Those in Distress: Volunteers and social work interns provide personal support to individuals weekly, helping them navigate their complex realities. Many in the community suffer from post-traumatic stress and other challenges resulting from their journeys to Israel and the difficulties they face here. Because of their lack of status, they are not eligible for National Insurance Institute aid, and the social services available to them are limited, making psycho-social support essential for many.

• Humanitarian and Financial Assistance: According to the NGO capabilities, we provide financial assistance to families in extreme distress based on predefined criteria. Most of the assistance goes to single mothers to help cover debts, medical insurance for children, or individuals in temporary crises who are unable to work. Assistance is provided in cash or food purchase cards. Additionally, throughout the year, we distribute food packages, clothing, and toys according to donations received.

For more information and initiatives in this area, please contact Yael, Department Manager, at 055-2720166.

We offer adult classes in Hebrew, English, and computer skills. The project is based on the understanding that language is a key tool for effective communication and successful integration into society. The classes are taught in small groups using professional textbooks, and participants learn reading, writing, and speaking skills in Hebrew or English. The Hebrew and English departments operate separately, and each department is managed by a coordinator. All teachers are volunteers who receive relevant training.

We organize social and cultural events for the community, activities for children, and joint holiday celebrations.In line with the NGO vision of fostering a connection between the refugee community and the rest of the population, all our events are open to the JACC community, volunteers, and partners, with some open to the general public depending on the nature of the event.

Our traditional events include:  

- International Refugee Day – held annually on June 20th  

- Community holidays – Christmas, Iftar during Ramadan, a Passover Seder  

- Community picnic during Passover and in the summer.  

- Participation in the Jerusalem Marathon.  

- Children's activities during holidays and school vacations – the Jewish High Holidays, Hanukkah, Passover, and summer

We are open to additional collaborations and invite you to participate in all the events. Stay updated through social media and with our staff.

For information and initiatives in this area, please contact Valdi, Department Manager, at 055-9986982.