Empowered Through Adversity: Tamar’s Journey
While EPIC Family has been actively supporting children directly affected by the war—those who have had to leave war zones, relocate to new schools, and cope with the absence of fathers serving in the army—the impact of the conflict has rippled far beyond the front lines. The war has affected families in more indirect ways, creating emotional strain and fear even for those living outside the immediate danger zones. Tamar’s story is one such example of how the war’s psychological and social toll reached into the lives of children who weren’t directly in harm’s way but still felt its heavy effects.
At just fifteen, Tamar’s life was uprooted. Moving from her comfortable home in California to Yerushalayim was not the adventure she had hoped for. What had been a lifelong dream for her parents felt like a personal disaster to Tamar. She was overwhelmed by a deep sense of isolation, longing for her old friends, her school, and the familiar rhythms of her life in the U.S.
The language barrier in her new school only added to her frustration. Despite her best efforts to pay attention in class and connect with girls who knew some English, she struggled to fit in. But the war broke out just as she began to make small strides. Schools were shut down, and everything she had worked for came to a sudden halt.
The constant sound of sirens filled her days with fear. She was terrified of being caught outside when the alarms blared and chose to stay at home, afraid and isolated. The friendships she had started to form at school weren’t strong enough to survive the shutdown. Now, more than ever, she felt completely cut off from the world. Anger simmered inside her as she directed her frustration at her parents, blaming them for uprooting her life and leaving her feeling so alone.
Concerned for her emotional well-being, Tamar’s parents contacted EPIC Family for help. That’s when Sara, a dedicated mentor from our Therapeutic Mentoring Program, entered her life. At first, Tamar was resistant to the idea of working with a mentor. But after a few meetings with Sara, she began to open up. Sara listened to her anger, fear, and feelings of abandonment. Slowly, Tamar began to see some positives in her new life, things she hadn’t noticed before.
Their weekly meetings became a lifeline for Tamar. They were the only moments she felt comfortable leaving the house and connecting with someone. Sara helped her realize that she had strengths from her life in California that could help her thrive in Israel as well. Together, they discussed using those strengths to rebuild her life in Yerushalayim.
When school eventually resumed, Tamar returned with a new, more optimistic attitude. With Sara’s support, she slowly made progress—both academically and socially. Over time, she began to see the beauty in life in Israel. Although the transition remained difficult, by the end of the year, Tamar surprised her mother with an unexpected revelation: she was glad they had come.