Zion Orphanage: Where children get a second chance

What is the connection between British Jewry and Zion Orphanage?

British Jewry has supported Zion Orphanage for over a century. In 1920, when British statesman and proud Jew Sir Herbert Samuel (later Lord Samuel) arrived in Jerusalem as the new British High Commissioner for Palestine, he chose Zion Orphanage as the venue to commemorate this historic occasion. Crowds gathered as he joined dignitaries to celebrate, surrounded by Zion Orphanage children and staff.

What is the unique legacy of Zion Orphanage?

Founded in 1899, Zion Orphanage is the world’s longest-running Jewish orphanage. Its mission: to care for vulnerable Jewish children whose lives have been shattered by bereavement, war, poverty, abuse, neglect, and trauma. Today, its Jerusalem campus on Blumenthal Square (named after its founder Rabbi Avraham Yochanan Blumenthal) serves hundreds of children – offering not simply shelter, but the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

How does Zion Orphanage create a healthy environment?

At the heart of its success is the innovative Mishpachton family unit. Rather than living in institutional dormitories, boys live in on-campus apartments in groups of twelve with a surrogate family. Together, they share meals, celebrate birthdays and Shabbat together, enjoy outings, and experience warmth and stability. For many, this is their first exposure to healthy family life. Here, trust replaces fear, and childhood begins again.

What activities support the children’s healing?

At Zion Orphanage, a team of 80 dedicated professionals provides therapeutic activities including animal care, gardening, music, martial arts, computers, and photography. These programmes help children develop confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.

What impact does Zion Orphanage have?

Over the years, thousands of children who called Zion Orphanage “home” have gone on to become devoted parents, educators, entrepreneurs, community leaders and public servants. Among them is Member of Knesset Moshe Abutbul, who entered the orphanage at age nine and says it gave him “a lifetime of tools and the confidence to succeed”.

How is Zion Orphanage meeting today’s challenges?

Following the horrific October 7 attacks, Zion Orphanage opened a therapeutic home for children whose lives were devastated by war. This year, Zion Orphanage also launched a much-needed rehabilitation residence for teenage girls at risk.

How can British Jews continue this legacy?

For the past 127 years, amidst changing governments and shifting borders, one constant remains: the generosity of British Jewry. Archival records reveal that generations of British families have supported Zion Orphanage and its mission to care for vulnerable children. Today, every British Jew can become part of that legacy by sending a gift of love and hope to the heart of Jerusalem at ZionOrphanage.com/UK.