How Israeli and Palestinian Children Are Coping Three Years After Oct 7

A glimpse into daily life three years after Oct 7

When the October 7 attack reshaped the region, the impact on children was immediate and profound. Three years later, teenagers on both sides of the border describe a routine that blends ordinary school days with reminders of loss.

Israeli teen perspective

Yossi, a 16‑year‑old from Sderot, tells CBS News that his mornings now start with a quick check of the alert system before heading to class. He says,

"We still hear sirens, but we have learned to keep moving and stay together. It feels like we are living in a constant rehearsal for safety."

He adds that after school he spends time playing soccer with friends in a nearby field, a activity he says "helps us feel normal again."

Palestinian teen perspective

Leila, a 17‑year‑old from Gaza City, explains that her day begins with a commute through checkpoints that can take an hour or more. She says,

"School is a place where we can forget the rubble for a few hours. My teachers encourage us to write about our hopes, and that gives us a sense of control."

Leila also mentions helping her younger siblings with homework as a way to stay connected to family.

Education amid uncertainty

Both Israeli and Palestinian education ministries have adapted curricula and schedules to address the ongoing security situation.

Schools in southern Israel

The Israeli Ministry of Education introduced flexible timetables and built reinforced shelters in schools near the Gaza border. Teachers receive training on trauma‑informed practices, and many classrooms now have quiet rooms for students who need a break.

Gaza’s classroom challenges

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Education, schools in Gaza operate on a shortened calendar due to power cuts and infrastructure damage. International partners have supplied solar‑powered tablets that allow lessons to continue during outages.

Mental health support and community resilience

Psychological assistance has become a cornerstone of recovery for children on both sides of the conflict.

Counselling programs

Local NGOs run peer‑support groups where teenagers discuss their experiences in a safe setting. The World Health Organization mental health guidelines recommend such groups as effective for post‑trauma coping.

Family and peer networks

Families often act as first responders. In interviews, both Yossi and Leila emphasized that nightly family meals provide a space to share feelings and plan for the next day. Friends also organize recreational activities, from basketball games to music sessions, that create moments of joy.

The role of NGOs and international aid

Humanitarian organizations play a vital role in filling gaps left by strained public services.

UNICEF and child protection

A recent UNICEF report on children in conflict highlights the agency’s work in providing safe spaces, psychosocial kits and training for teachers in both Israel and Gaza. The report notes a measurable decrease in severe anxiety symptoms among children who attend these programs.

Local grassroots initiatives

Community centers in Sderot host art workshops that let children express grief through painting. In Gaza, a volunteer‑run library offers storytelling evenings that blend traditional tales with messages of hope. These initiatives are often supported by funding from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Looking ahead: hopes and fears

When asked about the future, Yossi hopes for a day when sirens no longer punctuate his school schedule. Leila dreams of traveling abroad for university and sharing her story with a wider audience.

• Continuing education reforms that prioritize safety and mental health.
• Expanded access to counseling and peer‑support groups.
• Greater investment in community‑based recreational programs.
• Sustained international aid that adapts to evolving needs.

Both teenagers agree that resilience is built daily, through small acts of kindness, shared meals and moments of laughter. Their stories illustrate how children can adapt, survive, and even thrive despite the shadow of conflict.