- April 12, 2025
- 5:50 pm
- Israel
In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, many children become victims not only of physical violence but also of deep psychological trauma, which affects their future.
In such a situation, assistance from various organizations and concerned individuals becomes especially important. One such person is the Israeli David Roitman, as reported by “Vesti“, who through his efforts helps Ukrainian children overcome the consequences of war.
David was born in Odessa but left Ukraine at a young age, repatriated to Israel, worked in Jewish organizations, and served in the Israeli special forces. Today, living permanently in Israel, he helps Ukrainian children cope with the psychological consequences of war.
David Roitman: Psychological Help for Ukrainian Children
David Roitman is a psychologist, a specialist in child psychotherapy, who has been working with children who have experienced the horrors of war for several years. Working within the framework of various charitable projects, Roitman provides psychological assistance to children who have suffered from destruction, the death of loved ones, and the threat of violence.
As a father of four children himself, Roitman realized how important it is not to leave a child alone with the horrors of war, while parents are busy with survival issues (both literally and figuratively), and psychological assistance is not always available.
Roitman began his work by establishing several psychological centers to assist children, including in Ukraine. These centers provide children with the opportunity not only to receive help from psychologists but also to participate in rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring their psycho-emotional state.
KinderVelt: Centers for Psychological Help for Children
In 2020, Roitman founded a network of charitable rehabilitation centers KinderVelt, which provide free psychological help to children aged 4 to 18 years. The name “KinderVelt” in Yiddish means “children’s world.” The centers are located in various cities of Ukraine, including Kyiv, Odessa, Kropyvnytskyi, and Kharkiv, with plans to open a branch in Mykolaiv.
Since March 2022, psychologists from KinderVelt centers have conducted over 15,000 individual therapy sessions, more than 7,000 children have received psychological help, and over 3,000 families have received consultations. The centers employ clinical psychologists and art therapists, using effective equipment for psychological work with children.
“The project is funded by private donations — mostly from Jews who left Ukraine for America, Canada, Israel, Germany, as well as from sponsors living in Ukraine,” says Roitman.
Rehabilitation Programs: Support and Recovery
Rehabilitation programs organized by David Roitman include:
- Psychological support for children who have experienced the tragedies of war.
- Group sessions aimed at developing communication skills and rebuilding trust.
- Individual consultations with psychologists and psychotherapists for a deeper analysis and work with trauma.
- Art therapy and creative activities to help children express their feelings and emotions.
Roitman believes that the main task is not only to treat the trauma but also to restore hope for the future. It is important for children to feel safe and believe that their lives can be normal despite the hardships they have endured.
Why is Help So Important?
Ukraine is going through difficult times, and children in conflict zones are one of the most vulnerable categories. This generation will bear the consequences of war, and how their rehabilitation and support are organized will determine the future of the country. The help provided by David Roitman and his colleagues is not just psychotherapy; it is a chance for children to recover and return to normal life.
David Roitman emphasizes that such projects are of enormous importance for the restoration of children’s psycho-emotional state and the formation of their ability to adapt socially. It is important to note that many children who have experienced war face depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These conditions require long-term and professional work.
The Contribution of Israelis to Helping Ukraine
Israel has been actively involved in helping Ukraine at various times, from humanitarian projects to government-level support. However, an important aspect is also the personal involvement of Israeli citizens, such as David Roitman, who, without any political motivation, provides help to people suffering from the war on the basis of humanitarian considerations.
The involvement of Israelis in such initiatives strengthens the bonds between the two nations, expanding cooperation at the level of civil society. This is also a vivid example of how, even in the midst of a global crisis, people can find ways to support each other and help those in need.
Real Figures and Statistics:
- More than 2 million children have been affected by the war in Ukraine.
- Every day the number of children needing psychotherapy increases.
- David Roitman and his team within the KinderVelt project have already helped more than 7,000 children, conducting over 15,000 individual therapy sessions.
Support on the NAnews Website
On the NAnews website – news from Israel you can follow new initiatives that help people affected by war, as well as efforts aimed at strengthening relations between Israel and Ukraine. These projects include not only psychological assistance but also various humanitarian and social initiatives that help restore peace and security in the region.
Quote from David Roitman:
“Our children are our future. If we don’t help them survive this horror, we will lose an entire generation. We must provide them with hope for a better future.”
The help of David Roitman and other Israelis who support Ukraine during this difficult time is an important contribution to the restoration of peace and harmony in the region. Programs aimed at helping children are the foundation for the long-term recovery of Ukraine and the formation of a new generation capable of building a peaceful future.
NAnews: More about David Roitman’s activities and other initiatives supporting Ukraine can be read on the NAnews website.
KinderVelt in Ukraine – https://kindervelt.net/
Source (read fully) – https://www.vesty.co.il/main/article/hyke1111v2yg
