Bringing Light to the Children of Tel Aviv in the Shadow of War

In the fourth week of the ongoing conflict, the lives of many families in the greater Tel Aviv area have moved underground. Shelters have become temporary homes. Schools remain closed, and daily life is interrupted by alarms. Families without legal residency, in particular, face enormous financial pressure, which the Vicariate seeks to alleviate through targeted support.

The St. James Vicariate has been regularly present on-site in recent days. Its staff descend into shelters - places originally intended for short-term refuge, now supporting the daily lives of entire families. Patriarchal Vicar Fr. Piotr Zelazko visited a shelter near the central bus station in Tel Aviv yesterday. There, people have been living for weeks in cramped conditions, with improvised sleeping arrangements and little privacy.

Amid daily missile attacks and closed schools, moments of living community emerged: children played, laughed, and shared stories; parents exchanged experiences; gifts were given, laughter and dancing filled the space.

A particularly moving moment was the shared prayer, which opened a space of hope and closeness for families in the midst of uncertainty and threat.

Patriarchal Vicar Fr. Piotr Zelazko said: “Be the light. Underground, one asks: How can I be light? Here in the shelter, I understood: we must be light for others.”

Monika Faes, Coordinator for Youth and Children at the St. James Vicariate, highlighted the role of young volunteers: “Our youth leader team is a central anchor for the children in daily life through interactive online meetings.”

The current situation underscores the importance of personal presence. The St. James Vicariate continues its commitment, standing with families continuously and on the ground.

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