New Milford–Bayit V’tikva has been bringing a sense of family, love, hope, and simple pleasures to Israeli orphans since 1961. “To know their story of abuse, torture and suffering is very moving. You have to have a heart of stone to not help them,” said Danny Golf, a New York City, CPA and member of the Board of Directors for Bayit V’Tikvah, which literally translated means House of Hope.
Located by the sea in Netanya, Bayit V’Tikvah is much more than a center for girls to learn and play. In most cases, it is the most authentic home they’ve ever known, a safe place to grow up and rebuild after experiencing rejection, cruelty and horrific tragedy. “These girls need whatever support we can give them,” said Yossi Katz, event host for the Bergen County “Friendraiser” barbeque recently held at his home in New Milford. “They need a place to call home.”
The current facility serves as a permanent home to some of the most affected girls, and worst cases of poverty, child neglect and abuse in Israel. With nowhere else to go, the organization provides more than just housing and a simple education for 80-100 girls they teach critical thinking, life skills, offer enrichment courses and provide sports and a dedicated onsite staff for ongoing counseling and therapy for those with syndromes or communications disorders due to victimization and a variety of familial dysfunctions.
“I am impressed with the girls and with the care they receive. But there is an element of sadness. Currently, it (the facility) is like a beautiful camp. A nice bunk at a nice camp, While it’s as nice as it can be, it’s still just a bunk,” said strong supporter and Teaneck resident, Rabbi Mark Landsman, Principal of Yeshiva of Central Queens. “The goal is to build apartments that function more like a real home while still operating in a group setting.”
Partnerships with community educators help secure a future for the girls in residence. “Ending the trauma, closing the educational gaps and using every moment to instill values, build character and re-shape lives is the dream of the Sanz-Klausenberg Rebbe Yekusiel Yehudah Halberstam, z”l, who lost his first wife and eleven children during the Holocaust,” said Executive Vice President Rabbi Baruch (Brian) Thau. The rebbe dedicated his life to Torah and loved every Jew especially those in need. “We are actualizing the rebbe’s goals providing for these girls things they never dreamed of, being there for them like a family would,” said Thau.
“Ongoing therapy, educational and employment training opportunities increase the likelihood for future job security, healthy socialization and productive, happy lives. Individualized programs tailored to meet the special needs of each girl are infused with positive reinforcement and consistent confidence building. Over time hidden talents are uncovered, unleashing an inner motivation to break the cycle of violence setting the stage for the resident girls to become contributors and not victims.
“The ‘Perach’ program, matches young women doing National Service with girls in need, further extending the sense of community responsibility and connection.
The current Sanzer Rebbe, Rabbi Tzvi Elimelach Halberstam in Israel is charged with making sure the staff is completely devoted to the material, spiritual, emotional and intellectual needs of the girls Bayit V’Tikvah. The home receives approximately 50% of its budget from the government, and now has leadership earnestly pondering alternative funding sources, “We have many giving opportunities available. Sponsorship levels range from ‘School Bag and Books’ for $100 to ‘Adopt a Child’ for the year at $9,000, and a lot of choices in between,” says Thau.
Phase One construction has already begun on Bayit V’Tikvah’s new building project. An active capital funds appeal is underway to help finance the construction of the new space designed to convert the living quarters from the ‘camp bunk’ feel to more of a homey feel. “The first of the new ‘in-house foster homes’ is being built right now, we believe the transformation of the living conditions will enhance the emotional wellbeing of the girls, by offering a real family experience. The in-house foster families will be two parents along with their children. This we think will provide much needed authenticity and a richer meaning to the girl’s lives,” said Thau.
You can find them on Facebook, ‘Bayit V’Tikvah House of Hope’ or learn more by calling Zev Berman at 929-900-HOPE (4673) Suite 336 176-25 Union Turnpike Fresh Meadows, NY 11366.
By Elyse Hansford
