Talpiot Children’s Village was founded on the outskirts of Jerusalem in 1948, at the establishment of the State of Israel, to provide a warm and safe home for children from across the country – many from under-resourced communities and newly arrived immigrant families. The village began modestly, surrounded by sand and thorns, but with a big and important vision.
In October 1970, the village moved to the Neve Chaim neighborhood in Hadera. When the village moved, an on-site elementary school was opened. The village played a central role in supporting the integration of Ethiopian Jewish immigrants, welcoming children from Ethiopian immigrant families already in the first wave in 1977. The village’s synagogue helped build a warm relationship with the local community – and to this day, the synagogue remains active, serving both the village and the neighborhood community.
In 2000, the village underwent a major transformation: it moved away from the “Youth Aliyah” framework and became a child welfare residential program operating through a family-style homes model. This approach gave children a sense of home, security, and stability – along with a professional therapeutic support system that includes emotional guidance, social workers, and individualized development programs.
In 2002, the village launched a first-of-its-kind day-boarding program pilot in Israel. It became a national success and led to similar programs across the country. In 2006, the “Rimonim” Center was established in Hadera, providing care for children who have experienced sexual abuse, and later expanded to Netanya, Kfar Saba, and Ariel. To this day, Talpiot Children’s Village continues to be a home for children who need protection, stability, and a broad educational and emotional support system.
The village operates with professionalism and deep compassion, guided by the spirit of its founding leaders – and continues to help generations of children and families grow toward a safer, more supportive future.
Every donation, large or small, opens a door for children – to opportunity, security, and growth.
Talpiot Children’s Village sees the child, the family, and the community as one connected unit – growing, supported, and becoming stronger together through love, faith, and hope. The village is guided by a mission to provide continuous educational and therapeutic support for children, youth, and families, at both the regional and national level, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Welfare. These services include a therapeutic residential program for children and youth, Smart Centers for children in the region, and “Rimonim” Centers providing care for children and teens who have experienced sexual abuse.
At the center of the work stands the person – each child, in their own unique world. For every child, a comprehensive therapeutic plan is built, personally tailored to their needs, strengths, and life path. The approach at the village is holistic: emotional, educational, experiential, and community-based, combining a range of therapeutic methods that enable forward movement toward a future of faith, capability, and choice.
In the village, ongoing learning, renewed thinking, and constant questioning are part of everyday work – driven by a desire to stay precise and relevant for every child, in every moment. All of this is guided by a deep sense of mission and an open heart, seeking to provide a home, security, belonging, and a new opportunity for growth and renewal.
Working with parents is a central part of the therapeutic process at Talpiot, based on the belief that they are the most meaningful figures in their children’s development. The goal is to strengthen the relationship, rebuild trust, and support parents in their role – even when the child is not living at home.
The village’s vision is not only to support children, but also to strengthen families as a source of support that leads to growth and healthy development.
Eliakim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in the Advancement of Youth at Risk.
He has been working at the village for 11 years. He began his journey as the director of the family units, a role he held for five years, and was subsequently appointed as the Director of the Village and CEO of the Association.
In his role, Eliakim leads the educational and therapeutic work within the village, driven by a deep commitment to the children and youths, and to building a stable, professional, and family-like environment that enables true growth.
Amit Loogasi is the Village Director. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences, as well as a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Social Work, specializing in trauma. In addition, she is a certified family therapist.
Amit began her journey at the village about 18 years ago as a social work student. Since then, she has grown into key leadership roles, including serving as a social worker for the family units, Director of the Day-Residential Program, and Manager of the Therapeutic Division.
Her extensive experience and deep familiarity with the village’s children and staff enable her to lead the village with a professional, sensitive approach, deeply committed to the children’s well-being and development.
Sagit holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a teaching certificate.
She arrived at the village about 24 years ago alongside her partner as family unit houseparents, and has since grown and developed with the village throughout the years. Over the years, she has filled a long line of roles, including Macham (Learning & Training) Manager, Housemother, and Residential Director – and has been a partner in shaping the professional and educational path of the village.
Sagit is considered the beating heart of the village, combining decades of experience, dedication, and a deep love for both the children and the staff.
Yotam is the Director of the Junior Division. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Systems Management.
He has been active in the village for about a decade and plays a central role in its educational and community work. He began his journey alongside his partner as family unit houseparents in a girls’ residential unit, growing within the system into his current role.
In his position, Yotam leads the educational staff, develops tailored solutions for the younger age groups, and works to create a safe, nurturing space for every boy and girl, driven by a deep commitment and a personal connection to the village life.
Eitan Wolkovic has been working in the field of child therapy and education for 22 years, with an emphasis on special education and addressing complex emotional and behavioral challenges.
For the past seven years, he has served as the Director of the Chacham Center within the village. Eitan believes in integrated processes – deep, focused work with the child alongside strengthening the bond and partnership with their family.
Under his leadership, the center guides a path that combines warmth, love, and a family-like atmosphere with consistency, presence, containment, and boundary-setting. He operates out of a profound belief that this combination creates a secure foundation for growth and development.
Keren is a social worker (B.A.) with many years of experience in the residential care field. She began her journey at the village as a social worker at the Chacham Center and was subsequently appointed to Manage the therapeutic division. Additionally, Keren holds a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Art Therapy and is a practicing child and youth therapist.
Keren brings a systemic therapeutic approach that places the child at the center. She connects their emotional and developmental needs with the family system that surrounds them, placing a strong emphasis on collaborative therapeutic work with the children’s families and their supporting networks.
Every donation, large or small, opens a door for children – to opportunity, security, and growth.
