Orphaned Children Raised by an Older Sibling

 

SELAH helps sibling-headed families in which the children have lost parents due to illness, accidents, domestic violence, and other crises.

Raising children after the loss of parents is a trying challenge and a huge responsibility for anyone to face. It’s especially tough for someone who is barely 20 years old, and whose individual needs and plans are often sacrificed as they are thrust into the role of parenting. At a time when their peers are typically involved in building their own futures, these young adults are, instead, struggling to provide stable homes for their siblings. In addition to dealing with the grief of their younger brothers and sisters, they, too, are mourning the loss of their parents. As immigrants in the country, all these families are simultaneously struggling with multiple financial, cultural, emotional and practical difficulties.

SELAH's expert teams of specialists and trained volunteers are there to respond to the urgent and ongoing needs of these young, bereaved families with practical assistance and guidance, also serving as a link to the appropriate governmental and local authorities. Provisions are also made for food, clothing, school supplies or household needs when necessary.

SELAH's retreats provide the young caregivers and their siblings with an opportunity for "time out," as well as peer support groups with space for sharing and enabling a sense of togetherness. This is their only chance to meet other children who are being raised in similar circumstances. "I don't feel so different here," said an 11-year-old raised by his brother since both parents died.

SELAH Celebrates with Skader!

Skader is the youngest of five orphaned children living in the south of Israel. Since the death of their mother in 2004, the children have been raised by the older siblings and have received intensive SELAH aid. When Skader turned 12, SELAH brought her, her family and friends together for a day-long bat mitzvah celebration in the North, which was her special wish, including a visit to an Australian animal farm, a festive lunch accompanied by singing and dancing, and swimming in the warm pools of the Gan HaShlosha national park. SELAH's gift to Skader was a gold bat mitzvah pendant, presented with love, many blessings and hope for her future.

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