Founded in March 2022 as a volunteer initiative, The Walks began with a simple but profound mission: to support migrant teenagers newly arrived in Israel, many of whom were fleeing conflict in Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. These young people arrived and faced serious challenges — social isolation, cultural adaptation, and the trauma of war and displacement. From its early days in Jerusalem, The Walks set out to help them explore their new surroundings, process their past, develop an Israeli identity, and reconnect with their Jewish roots.
From March 2022 to April 2023, The Walks operated as a grassroots initiative, working tirelessly to help these teens overcome loneliness and begin to feel at home in Israel. But as the need grew, so did the organization.
With initial donations and a growing team, we expanded our programs in May 2023, adding more structured activities and broadening our support network.
By January 2024, The Walks had evolved into a registered nonprofit, establishing a bank account that allows us to pay salaries and secure significant partnerships.
Since its founding, The Walks has reached over 800 teens, creating an inclusive community that empowers young migrants to overcome trauma and build brighter futures. Through weekly events, art workshops, and online activities, we engage directly with more than 550 teenagers in cities like Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Haifa.
Our dedicated team — composed of educators, artists, theater directors, and STEM professionals — brings a wealth of experience in both education and the arts. Collaborations with cultural institutions and businesses further amplify our reach, allowing us to provide these teens with a robust, supportive environment.
Today, The Walks is more than an organization; it’s a community where young people find healing, empowerment, and inspiration. Through our programs, we center their stories, support their journeys, and deliver measurable outcomes that help them envision a future in Israel with hope and resilience.
The Walks aims to create a sustainable support model for migrant teens within an inclusive and safe community. Through our programs, teens gain tools to overcome trauma and isolation and to build a positive future.
We approach our work with a clear understanding of both the challenges and the potential for real change. We know that teens from migrant families face complex issues, from social isolation to cultural adjustment, and we are committed to building programs that make a meaningful, lasting difference. Each step we take is aimed at creating practical solutions that address these young people’s needs today while strengthening our capacity to serve them sustainably over time.
Our focus is not only on immediate support but on developing a solid, effective model for empowering teens who have experienced trauma and displacement. By staying connected to our mission and continuously evaluating the impact of our work, we aim to build a resilient community where these teens feel supported, secure, and connected. In doing so, we are committed to becoming a stronger organization, capable of driving real, measurable change for the long term.
The Walks has assembled a dedicated team of professionals and core volunteers, many of whom are recent migrants from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. This team includes educators, nonprofit experts, psychologists, and artists, all deeply committed to making a positive local impact and supporting teens in their integration journeys. Over 50 of these new migrants have found meaningful projects through The Walks, bringing with them a wealth of experience as educators, authors, creators, participants in large nonprofit initiatives, theater directors, artists, and STEM professionals. Together, they shape a supportive environment for teens adjusting to their new lives.
Since 2022, The Walks has empowered hundreds of teens to explore their potential, build connections, and find a sense of belonging in Israel. Created by a team of experienced educators, nonprofit leaders, and artists, our programs help teens face the unique challenges of migration. We provide a safe, supportive environment where they can draw strength from their experiences, envision new possibilities, and actively shape their futures.
Our work centers on a few key goals: