There’s no better way to spend the summer. We’ve had a wonderful, enriching experience getting to know these kids and having such a positive impact on them. They became part of our family.
host family
Israel Awareness
Join us for events and activities designed to help our community develop a stronger and more solid connection to the state of Israel. We invite you to participate in a variety of activities that relate to the history, culture, achievements and challenges of the State of Israel.
Open Hearts Open Homes invites Israeli teens whose lives have been forever changed due to terrorism – the loss of a loved one, living in constant fear of the next attack, not knowing life without sirens – to spend three weeks during the summer enjoying respite, home hospitality, travel camp activities, and fun with American peers.
Impact in Israel
Open Hearts Open Homes has changed the lives of families who are challenged by a traumatic past or who have suffered the impact of terrorism. By all accounts, its therapeutic value is extraordinary and helps many begin the process of psychological healing.
Impact in Northern NJ
To extend this lifeline of support and respite, Open Hearts Open Homes relies on the support of you and the entire Bergen County Jewish community.
- Hosting is a rewarding, life transforming experience. By welcoming a teen into your home, not only do you provide comforting and comfortable surroundings for them, you gain new insight into their experiences and everyday life half a world away.
- Donations in any amount are greatly appreciated. A gift of $6,500 provides a full scholarship for one teen to participate.
Read about 2019’s teens here
Meet This Year’s Teens!
Erica Danziger | MON, JUN 17, 2019We are so excited to announce this year’s Open Hearts Open Homes teens. They are a group of well-deserving kids who have all suffered at the hands of terrorism in…
read more
Teens Bond with Therapeutic Animals and Each Other
npgadmin | WED, MAY 01, 2019The Open Hearts Open Homes teens of 2019 recently visited with the Therapeutic Animal Center in Sderot, Israel and also took the opportunity to start to get to know each…
read more
Open Hearts Open Homes 2019 – Journal Entry #1: The teens arrive!
Erica Danziger | TUE, AUG 27, 2019The Israeli teens may have just left New Jersey after three weeks together with us but our memories of our time together with them are still vivid and bright. Here’s…
read more
Open Hearts Open Homes 2019 – Journal Entry #2: Fun in the Sun
Erica Danziger | MON, AUG 26, 2019Journal Entry #2: Fun in the Sun Along the way of the three weeks together, the Israeli teens from the Open Hearts Open Homes program found their footing in New…
read more
Open Hearts Open Homes 2019 – Journal Entry #3 – Saying Goodbye but not Forever
Erica Danziger | MON, AUG 26, 2019Journal Entry #3 – Saying Goodbye but not Forever After a never-long-enough three weeks together, our host families and teens had to say goodbye. The ripple effect of this year’s…
read moreBlog Posts
Teens Bond with Therapeutic Animals and Each Other
npgadmin | WED, MAY 01, 2019The Open Hearts Open Homes teens of 2019 recently visited with the Therapeutic Animal Center in Sderot, Israel and also took the opportunity to start to get to know each…
read more
Bonding over Bowling!
Erica Danziger | TUE, JUN 04, 2019The teens from our upcoming Open Hearts Open Homes 2019 program recently met in Ashkelon, Israel for a bowling party. This event was another opportunity for the kids to get…
read more Meet This Year’s Teens!
Erica Danziger | MON, JUN 17, 2019We are so excited to announce this year's Open Hearts Open Homes teens. They are a group of well-deserving kids who have all suffered at the hands of terrorism in…
read more Open Hearts Open Homes 2019 – Journal Entry #3 – Saying Goodbye but not Forever
Erica Danziger | MON, AUG 26, 2019Journal Entry #3 - Saying Goodbye but not Forever After a never-long-enough three weeks together, our host families and teens had to say goodbye. The ripple effect of this year’s…
read more Open Hearts Open Homes 2019 – Journal Entry #2: Fun in the Sun
Erica Danziger | MON, AUG 26, 2019Journal Entry #2: Fun in the Sun Along the way of the three weeks together, the Israeli teens from the Open Hearts Open Homes program found their footing in New…
read more Open Hearts Open Homes 2019 – Journal Entry #1: The teens arrive!
Erica Danziger | TUE, AUG 27, 2019The Israeli teens may have just left New Jersey after three weeks together with us but our memories of our time together with them are still vivid and bright. Here's…
read more