"If people in Iran could see the joy here with the children, they would understand they have already lost the war," says Shira Goldberg of London with a smile. She came to Israel to volunteer at the Midreshet Torat Chessed in Netanya. She is not alone: alongside her, a group of young women from the United States, Canada and Britain have refused to leave Israel and are staying to continue educating the children connected to the program.
The volunteers speak emotionally about the air raid sirens heard in the city in recent days, while expressing a strong commitment to remain in Israel and continue helping. Rebecca Shemaa of Florida said, "I feel a great sense of meaning being here in these historic days. It was important for me to be here during the war."
Michelle Saadia of Brooklyn added: "It was important for me to stay in Israel and not return to Brooklyn. It makes me happy to see the children smiling because of our activities. I am learning to adapt because we all support one another. Our strength is in our unity."
Molly Gussen of New Jersey said she feels secure at the AMIT Bet Sabah Elazraki Children's Home. "My relationships with the children, the staff and my friends sustain me and remind me that I am part of something bigger."
The young women's daily routine combines spiritual study and hands-on work. In the mornings they focus on intensive Jewish and Torah studies, and in the afternoons they become a source of support for the children through social and educational activities that fill the day with smiles and encouragement.
Shira Melamed, head of the Midreshet Torat Chessed, emphasized the institution's unique approach. "Our seminary is built on the integration of deep Jewish learning with intensive educational and social work. When the war began we faced a dilemma, but the students quickly decided: we would remain in Israel. They stay in regular contact with their families abroad through Zoom, and the families feel they are partners in this mission."
According to Melamed, support also comes from home. "The students' parents not only support them, they encourage the girls to continue. They see the tremendous dedication the students give the children and understand that in times like these, this is the most important place they can be."
For the children at the AMIT Bet Sabah Elazraki Children's Home, the presence of the young women is especially meaningful.
Yehuda Cohen, the home's director, explained: "In complex and tense days like those of the Roaring Lion war, the children need stability and warmth more than anything. The presence of the seminary students from abroad gives the children personal attention and brings great light into their daily lives. The fact that they chose to stay here especially now warms all our hearts."