Zion Orphanage
The world's longest-running Jewish orphanage
The world's longest-running Jewish orphanage
Animal Therapy
Tapping into a world of warmth and caring.
About Zion Orphanage
Founded in 1899, Zion Orphanage is the world's oldest continuously running Jewish orphanage. We provide more than 200 orphaned, homeless and disadvantaged children and youth, ages 3-22, with the highest standards of a warm, stable environment – driven by our belief in the greatness of every human being.Click here to learn more
A healthy child overflows with enthusiasm, excitement and curiosity. Tragically, when early childhood lacks warmth and care, a boy often turns inward – withdrawn, distrustful, uncommunicative... shut off from the world around.
At Zion Orphanage, our priority is to help such a boy emerge from his shell. One of our most successful methods is Animal-Assisted Therapy at our on-campus mini-zoo. Guided by a professional therapist, a boy learns to switch from "survival mode" to sharing his inner world.
As the boy cares for rabbits, turtles and birds, he develops empathy toward other creatures, enabling the loving part of himself to emerge.
In this no-stress atmosphere of unconditional acceptance, the boys ease feelings of anxiety and isolation. With time, confidence and trust melt those walls away. The boy now has new horizons.
The Zion Orphanage is a registered seif 46 tax-deductible charity in Israel and a non-profit recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3). Donations are tax-deductible in the U.S., Canada, UK and Israel.