March 22, 2012

By Sue Hoffman

Of 2.3 million children and youth growing up in Israel, an estimated 350,000 are considered to be “at risk,” according to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Most of those youths come from families struggling to break the cycle of poverty and/or from homes where they are experiencing abuse or neglect.

With widening economic gaps, the number of at-risk youth keeps growing, visiting speaker Shai Lazer told the Federation staff recently. At the same time, he said, “There is a social paradox which exists: The more you’re at risk, the less you’ll receive services.” The paradox results from lack of funds, awareness and motivation, he said. Read more