When someone once asked Yehuda, the director of the children's home – until when do you plan to be there for your children at Bet Elazraki? Yehuda asked in response – until when are you planning to be there for your children?

Every child that set foot in our children's home will always have our support. Our entire work is aimed at providing a successful future for our children. This concept was the basis for establishing the Friends Association of Bet Elazraki Children's Home.

As time went by we realized that the true test our graduates undergo – their moment of truth – is when they leave the warm home we provided them and are forced to face the difficulties of their new situation. They've invested great efforts in overcoming their past difficulties, studied, passed their matriculation examinations and contributed to society by serving in the military or in national service. We taught them to aspire to higher education – and now what? Who will help them pay for their studies? We taught them to be independent, but who will help them with their rent? And if they are about to be married, should they wish to celebrate their baby's circumcision – how can they bear the expense on their own?

This is the moment we dreaded. As long as the children are under our roof – everything is under control. The moment they leave us, we begin to worry – how will they cope without us? And if, Heavens forbid, they stumble – who will lend them a helping hand? Naturally, we felt the need and responsibility to continue to guide our alumni and help them "stand on their own feet", but it was clear we required extensive funding that was not at our disposal – thus arose the idea of the Friends Association.

With the help of the Association members, who help raise donations and also contribute their energy, time and money, we provide our alumni with essential support. Every year a fundraising dinner is held dedicated entirely to our alumni. The money raised is used to fund higher education, room and board, and help our graduates in their first steps of creating a family. The members of the Friends Association want to be there for our alumni, just like caring parents who fret: how shall we fund the wedding, the "brith", the new stroller and crib? With the wonderful help of the staff at the children's home, they remain in constant touch and monitor their progress.

The Friends Association is the "final stamp" in the process of breaking the cycle of distress for our children.

Our members of the board:
Merav Mandelbaum, chairwoman

Idit Goren

Ron Guttman

Marganit Volnerman

Adv. Muriel Matalon
Anat Matalon
Hedva Mashiach
Miriam Mishal
Nurit Fox
Chami Fruchter

Shmuel Sabah
Irith Rappaport