Hands Off My Patient

Ihad met with the Rosenbergs to discuss their son Yechezkel, not because he had a mental illness, but because he was part of “the hilltop youth” movement. His parents were concerned that he was going to get into more serious trouble than getting beat up by the Border Police for putting up caravans on the hills of the Shomron. And they were right to worry. Part II

I had discussed an idea with Mr. Rosenberg to perhaps have his son meet with Avi, a more practical and less-intense settler figure who has a hilltop farm and is a mentor to many boys like Yechezkel.

Sometimes for adolescents who are a bit lost, these “uncle” figures are way better than therapists. The extra versatility and the lack of associated stigma can facilitate a positive relationship and help to get these kids back on a safe and productive path toward adulthood.

But Yechezkel was busy conquering the land, one hilltop at a time, and between frequent arrests, detentions, and new efforts to build caravan communities, there wasn’t any time to make it happen. That, and the fact that he simply wasn’t interested in any suggestions from his parents, made for a bad combination when it came to trying to set up an introductory meeting.