What Happened?
In Israel’s western Negev, where daily life has been marked for decades by rocket and arson attacks from Gaza, the Animal Corner at Kibbutz Urim has served as a place of life and comfort for area residents. Through the calming presence of animals, hundreds of children and teens have rediscovered peace and joy connecting with these gentle creatures.
In recent years, the ICEJ has partnered with Kibbutz Urim to help fund a therapeutic riding rink, including our donation of therapy horses and riding gear, and sponsoring riding sessions for youths and adults. This support has come from Christian friends around the globe. Now, we are coming together once again to restore and expand this facility in the wake of the October 7 terror invasion.
Founded in 1970 by Yoel Zeigler, whose family escaped to Israel from Germany in 1933, the Animal Corner at Kibbutz Urim was established as a warm, safe space where children could learn and grow. Over the years, however, this once vibrant and beloved place became dilapidated, even as the need for therapeutic care for local families has reached an all-time high post-October 7
The Response
The horrors of that tragic day brought new scars and trauma to southern Israel. Children now carry memories no child should ever bear. Yet many are finding renewed hope, nurtured by the calming rhythm of brushing a horse, or the beautiful bond formed with small animals.
Israeli families from the Gaza border region are coming to Kibbutz Urim for their children to access animal-assisted therapy and begin healing. The demand is urgent and overwhelming.
To meet these needs, the Christian Embassy is partnering with Kibbutz Urim to restore and expand the Animal Corner into a modern therapeutic center.
Join Us
We are committed to rebuilding and expanding the Animal Corner, not just to restore what once existed but to create a more welcoming and fully equipped therapeutic setting for the next generation. The new center will be accessible to more children than ever, offering a wider range of animal-assisted therapies to address this immense need.
The plan is to create safe, pleasant enclosures and modern facilities for a variety of small animals. It will include areas for both group and individual therapy, and new animals will be introduced to offer more treatment options.
In Their Own Words
“Thinking about riding again was what kept me going through captivity.” – Erez, age 12, after being held hostage in Gaza for 50 days.
“This is the first time I’ve heard his voice in song since that day.” – Mother of a 5-year-old boy who sang again for the first time while brushing a horse after months of silence.
“We dreamed that we would pass this on to our children. Now, my son doesn’t want to leave. He wants to stay and see the corner come back to life.” – Kibbutz Urim member.
“We’ve seen how Christian friends around the world helped us when we were at our lowest. Their love made this healing place possible. And it’s love that will rebuild it.” – Urim Therapeutic Center staff member.
What is needed?
We already have collected some of the substantial funding needed to rebuild and expand the Urim Animal Corner, but we still require another USD $250,520 to bring this vision to life.
Your gift, large or small, can help an Israeli child begin to heal from war trauma. Please help rebuild a peaceful place where these children can begin to trust the world around them once more.
