New wing launched in Jerusalem shelter for battered ultra-Orthodox women

Bat Melech charity launches a new wing in its Jerusalem shelter last week; shelter already filled to capacity.

By LIDAR GRAVÉ-LAZI
YOSSI SILMAN (left), Bat Melech, Noah Korman and Zilit Jacob (photo credit: David Hochberg)
YOSSI SILMAN (left), Bat Melech, Noah Korman and Zilit Jacob
(photo credit: David Hochberg)
Bat Melech charity, which provides assistance to victims of domestic violence in the religious and haredi communities, launched a new wing in its Jerusalem shelter last week and is already filled to capacity.
The NIS 1.5 million construction included the addition of new rooms, renovation of existing rooms and the addition of public spaces.
Funds for the project were raised by donations from companies including the Israeli Building Center, Negev Ceramics, Pandor Doors and many more.
“Every month our hotline receives some hundred calls, while our shelters are at full capacity,” said said Zilit Jacobson, the director of Bat Melech.
“We hope that through these and other contributions we can provide solutions to all who apply, and enable them to recover and escape the cycle of violence as soon as possible,” Bat Melech was established in 1995 and provides services including physical protection, psychological support, social assistance, financial and legal services, educational programs, assistance to victims of violence and the rehabilitation and construction of an independent life.
The organization operates two shelters, one in Jerusalem and the other in the Center, which both work in full cooperation with the Welfare and Social Services Ministry and with the spiritual support of rabbis. It also operates a 24 hour hot-line staffed by female social workers and lawyers.
“Bat Melech is the only charity in Israel that operates two shelters for women and child victims of violence in the religious community. We see the utmost importance in the continued existence of these shelters, which allow us to provide physical protection, psychological support, social assistance, and legal and financial help to the victims and their children,” said Jacobson.