Haredim
Photo: Yoav Galay
Newly secular receive scholarships
Hillel charity distributes NIS 500,000 to formerly religious
Newly secular youths collectively received NIS 500,000 (about $122,000) in university scholarships last week during an awards ceremony held by the Hillel charity in Tel Aviv.
Formerly haredi young adults who have broken away from their familiar world face a lonely struggle to integrate into modern secular Israeli society, Varda Lifschitz, executive director of Hillel, told Ynetnews.
"If it weren't for the support Hillel gives the people who leave the strictly Orthodox community, those who leave the haredi community would find it difficult to contribute to society," Lifschitz said. "We are proud to say that with our help more than 1,000 young men and women who left that community became productive citizens in Israeli society," she added.
Lifschitz said her organization began 16 years ago with "the declared aim to assist people who have decided to leave the Orthodox world, and integrate into modern life in Israel. We emphasize that they decide; we don't try to persuade them. Anyone who decides can call our phone line," Lifschitz said.
'We will reach key positions'
She estimated that some "1,500 to 2,000 people have been helped by us. Every year around 100 new people who left the haredi world stay in our program for 7-8 years. Usually, they complete high school studies, go to the army, and then on to university. We support them until they acquire a BA or start working."
"The big problem is faced by those who leave their families, who are cut off from their friends, and go out to a society which is quite alienating. General society is not one that offers warmth quickly. The loneliness is very difficult," Lifschitz said.
One formerly Orthodox youth, born in Bnei Brak, completed a degree at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, with Hillel's assistance. Speaking to Ynetnews, he asked to remain anonymous.
"There is no communication with my parents at all," he said. "Without this scholarship, many of us wouldn't start degrees, because we have to pay for rent and food without help. Hillel gives us much support - it really helped me in the course of my studies," he added.
"Hillel also provides social support. Many like myself are involved and we meet on weekends. We have the same experiences, and we understand each other. We have received counseling, from really good people in the true sense of word. It's amazing to see there are such people," he said.
"I want this issue to rise in priority. Many of us have made a change which is difficult and brave. Many of us are now succeeding, and have the drive to make it. In a short time, we will reach key positions. I will soon enter the public sector - in my first opportunity to help, I'll do so," he said, adding that "harediim have an interest to keep this down... Every time the issue is raised in the Knesset, the Orthodox parties jump on it."
