Kfar Silver Youth Village

Students at Kfar Silver care for rescue animals.

Kfar Silver was founded 60 years ago as an educational home for children who arrived from the Diaspora in the early years of the State. In 2016 World ORT took ownership of the Village, which is set in hundreds of acres of agricultural land and is located just eight miles from the Gaza border. Over 1,000 students are enrolled, of which 25% are boarders.

Boarding students include Israelis, children of recent immigrants like those from Ethiopia, as well as new immigrants who arrive alone primarily from the former Soviet Union. Since the war started in Ukraine, 41 refugees came to live in the Village. The majority of boarding students have emotional distress and struggle academically. They quickly realize that Kfar Silver is not only a school but a supportive home where they receive counseling and tutoring, enabling them to feel cared for and secure.

No matter where a student comes from, whether they excel in their studies or are at risk of dropping out, all are treated with dignity and respect and have a clear path to graduation and future employment. When they leave the Village they feel confident knowing that they received an excellent education in beautiful natural surroundings.

Kfar Silver provides a holistic experience to its diverse student body, enabling students to surmount severe educational and mental-health challenges. The farm has always been a special element, instilling values of work, responsibility, and teamwork. Students learn about agriculture, care for the dairy cows, and tend to plants in the greenhouses.  

ORT Enhances the Village

In recent years, World ORT has embarked on major improvements to the buildings and infrastructure to address the long-neglected facilities that were in desperate need of repair.

Interior of the Kfar Silver synagogue.

Thanks to the financial backing of ORT supporters worldwide, the campus has been modernized to accommodate the growing student population and ensure they have a safe and optimal environment in which to live and learn.

Recently, the following major projects have been completed:

• Renovation of the Kitchen and Dining Hall Complex for which ORT America donors provided over $1 million.  
• New athletic facilities funded by ORT America’s Florida Region.
• Additional and upgraded bomb shelters to protect students and staff.
  
• A state-of-the-art science building funded by ORT America’s Ohio Region.   
• A refurbished synagogue thanks to the generosity of the Joe Cohen Family and friends from Atlanta, and the Blume Family in Florida. It will host Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and other celebrations.

Being part of the ORT global network enables Kfar Silver students to take part in international events, competitions, and opportunities that they would not find elsewhere. ORT also invests in teachers, ensuring that they receive training and support.