In the world of child protection, we often say that silence is the loudest warning sign. Today, across Israel, that silence is deafening. While the headlines focus on the immediate movements of the war, those of us at ELI - Israel Association for Child Protection are looking at the data from decades of experience. It tells us that we are currently in the calm before a massive psychological storm.
The Missing Safety Net of the Classroom
For over 46 years, ELI has been the primary safety net for children in our school systems. Our ELI on Stage program, a repertoire of edutainment plays and musicals, reaches 100,000 children annually, teaching them about body boundaries, internet safety, and the courage to speak up.
The numbers are consistent and sobering: roughly 1.5% of students disclose abuse not only to a teacher or counselor, but also to our actors, who are specially trained by our clinical team. In a standard year, that means hundreds of children are moved from harm to healing because a trained educator or a theater program gave them the language to ask for help.
The Hidden Cost of Disruption
Right now, that system is largely paralyzed. With schools out of session or deeply disrupted, the eyes of the community are effectively closed. We know that abuse does not stop during a war; if anything, the stresses of displacement and trauma often exacerbate it. The abuse is happening, but the mechanism for discovery is greatly diminished.
This is why ELI is currently in "Prepare Mode." History has taught us that once children return to a consistent school routine, we will face an unprecedented surge, likely a 50% to 100% increase in reported cases. When the bells ring again and the ELI on Stage curtains rise, the floodgates will open.
We must focus now on being prepared for that wave. We are currently scaling our resources and training staff to ensure that when these children finally have the chance to speak, there is a therapist ready to listen.
An Essential Partnership with Parents
In the interim, we are doing everything possible to maintain the continuity of care. Our therapists are working around the clock via Zoom and telephone, but this requires a new level of partnership with parents. We need parents to be the guardians of this process by supporting their children in attending these virtual sessions and ensuring they have a private, safe space to continue their treatment. Even through a screen, that connection is a lifeline.
Looking Forward with Optimism
I remain an optimist because I know the strength of our professional community. We are already coordinating with teachers and school counselors to identify the signs of trauma and abuse the moment classrooms are full again.
At ELI, we are standing ready. We are planning today so that tomorrow, no child who has suffered in the shadows is left behind.
Eran Zimrin is the CEO of ELI – Israel Association for Child Protection. ELI is a leader in the prevention and treatment of child abuse, operating national awareness programs and therapeutic centers. To support ELI’s emergency preparations, visit eli-usa.org.