Bet Shemesh Educational Center (BSEC)

Supporting At-Risk Youth Through Education, Structure, and Opportunity

The Bet Shemesh Educational Center (BSEC) is an educational and residential campus operated by the Jaffa Institute that serves more than 300 disadvantaged boys between the ages of 12 and 19, all identified as youth at risk.

At BSEC, students receive comprehensive support that extends beyond the classroom, including educational instruction, therapeutic care, and daily nutritional support, helping them build the stability and confidence needed to prepare for adulthood. Many of the boys come from some of the most economically and socially challenged communities in Israel.

A dedicated professional team—including teachers, academic and dormitory counselors, social workers, and program directors—works closely with each student to address his unique educational, emotional, and developmental needs.

Despite the significant challenges these students face, the results are

remarkable.

In 2025, 70% of BSEC graduates successfully earned full matriculation,

demonstrating the profound potential of these young men when given the right support and opportunities to succeed.

Dormitory Renovation Project

BSEC has launched a renovation project for the campus’s oldest dormitory building, which over time has fallen into disrepair and now requires substantial restoration.

The renovation will include plastering and painting walls, installing new flooring, and replacing aging air-conditioning and heating systems, ensuring that students live in a safe, comfortable, and dignified residential environment.

The building consists of two wings containing 22 student rooms, each accommodating four students, along with residential staff quarters.