Abed’s Story – Youth At Risk

Strength in the Storm: Abed’s Memorial Project and the Power of Youth Futures

As the People of Israel continue to face ongoing threats on multiple fronts, the impact on communities in the north of the country has been severe. Among those continuing to stand resilient in the face of adversity is the Druze village of Hurfeish, located five kilometres from the northern border.

It was here, 15 years ago, that the UIA-supported Youth Futures program began its work with the Druze community. Today, this connection is stronger than ever.

A Village That Refused to Leave

When the war broke out in October 2023, most northern border towns were evacuated for safety reasons. But the people of Hurfeish made a different choice. In a powerful testament to their courage and patriotism, they refused to abandon their village despite the constant bombardments and threats of missiles and terrorism.

However, the cost of this decision was high. One in three men from Hurfeish were drafted into the army, leaving behind women, children and the elderly to carry the weight of uncertainty, grief, and daily fear. Among the most affected by this reality were the children.

Youth Futures: Standing Beside Every Child

Youth Futures, the national initiative for the rehabilitation of Israeli children, is a nationwide mentorship program supported by UIA. Youth Futures assists over 14,500 at-risk children and families in 49 locations across Israel, including Jewish, Arab, Druze, and Bedouin sectors. The program pairs each child with a dedicated Mentor who provides three years of continuous, tailored support, helping them grow emotionally, thrive academically, and build a hopeful future.

In Hurfeish, 147 children and families are currently supported by Youth Futures. Among them is Abed, a year four student whose life changed dramatically when his beloved uncle Anwar, was killed in combat in Gaza in December 2024. Anwar was just 24 years old. To Abed, his uncle was a hero, a role model, even a mirror of himself as many noted their physical resemblance.

From Grief to Meaning: The Birth of a Memorial Project

Anwar’s loss devastated their family and left Abed grief-stricken and adrift. His mother, Nasreen, Anwar’s sister, was overcome with sadness. Unmotivated, Nasreen was unable to return home for weeks. As a result, Abed began skipping school, often retreating to his grandparents’ house instead.

That’s when Samar, Abed’s Youth Futures Mentor, stepped in. Recognising the depth of the family’s pain, she called on Abed’s father, his school, and the local support network to rally around Abed and build a plan to enable his recovery. Samar knew this plan had to do more than just help Abed in the short term. She needed to find a way to restore meaning, stability, and hope to the family.

And so, Abed’s Memorial Project was born. With the guidance of Samar and the Youth Futures program director Aya, Abed began documenting the stories of fallen soldiers from Hurfeish, starting with his uncle. The project quickly grew. Children from the village interviewed grieving families, met bereaved parents, listened to widows, and learned to honour the memories of the Druze soldiers who gave their lives. What started as a way to help Abed heal became a profound community-wide initiative of healing.

Aya’s Words: Leading Through Grief

Aya, the Youth Futures director in Hurfeish, describes the past year as the most challenging of her life. Her husband was drafted on the war’s first day. She continued leading a team of five women, all with husbands on the front lines, while raising two young daughters under constant threat of rocket fire. In her own words: “It wasn’t easy. But what kept me going was the belief that when we’re strong and active, we give strength to our partners who are fighting. The project taught us and the children that every one of us can leave a mark on the world.”

She continued, “We started this project to help others—but we came out stronger ourselves.” Twelve Druze soldiers from Hurfeish have fallen since. And yet, through pain and loss, the children of Hurfeish have become beacons of resilience, sharing light and memory through their work.

Your Impact: Standing With the Druze Community

Thanks to the generous support of donors like you, Youth Futures has expanded its reach to three additional Druze villages. Abed is just one child. But through him, we see the power of community, of mentorship, of hope in the darkest of times. From Hurfeish to cities and villages across Israel, UIA and Youth Futures remain committed to helping every child not only survive—but thrive.

Find out how your support for UIA is empowering Israel’s youth at risk through the national Youth Futures program: