Open Door
Advancing Healthy Sexuality
Our Story
"Open Door" (NGO) was founded in 1966 by medical professionals with the objective of promoting healthy sexuality in Israel. Over the years, the organization has diligently provided assistance and support for adolescents, young adults, and their parents, focusing on issues pertinent to adolescence and advocating for healthy and responsible sexual behavior based on knowledge and awareness. Serving as the official and exclusive representative of the IPPF, the world's second-largest voluntary organization, "Open Door" is proud to include representation from over 170 countries worldwide. Actively engaging in social and political activism, the association endeavors to safeguard gender equality and human rights, including the fundamental right to healthy sexuality.
Annually, the teams of "Open Door" visit numerous schools and non-formal educational settings, engaging with thousands of adolescents. Each year, the dedicated volunteers of the organization provide counseling and guidance to over 5,000 adolescents, young adults, and their parents. The spectrum of inquiries is extensive, covering topics such as sexual and relational interactions, pregnancy prevention and contraception, physical development, body image, medical concerns, sexual orientation, social challenges, and more. The age range of those seeking assistance falls between 13 to 40 with the majority falling within the 16-18 age group.
Adolescents on the day after October 7th
Since the outbreak of the war, adolescents have experienced anxiety, frustration, and loneliness. These feelings may manifest in isolation, outbursts of anger, or the pursuit of risky behaviors such as excessive alcohol consumption. Having been uprooted from their homes, their communities, and extended families, they may find themselves isolated from any socio-educational framework. This reality has a direct and negative impact on the formation of healthy relationships as well as - self-image, open communication, and healthy sexual behavior. Amidst the chaos of war, lies the potential for sexual abuse
"Open Door" operates through three main channels
1. Nationwide network of counseling and support centers for youth - Providing anonymous and cost-free telephone and digital counseling and guidance for adolescent boys and girls, young adults, and their parents regarding sexuality. Counseling centers also offer face-to-face personal counseling at five focal points: Haifa, Tel Aviv, Holon, Ramat Hasharon, and Be'er Sheva. Each center provides access to consultations with our volunteers and the option to meet with a gynecologist. These counseling centers are all supervised by a specialist OBGYN and operated by over 100 volunteers.
2. Community education - In line with the association's holistic approach, "Open Door" conducts workshops and lectures for youth and their parents, as well as educational teams on matters related to sexuality. These workshops and lectures are facilitated by specialists who have completed the association's training program and continue to be supported by us throughout their activities.
3. Training and accreditation of professionals in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) - "Open Door's" training program is the most comprehensive and professional program in Israel in the field of sexuality. The training program, which encompasses/includes over 260 academic hours, is intended for educators, and professionals, within the medical, mental health , and associated fields.
