The Orot Yisrael Women\'s College in Elkanah (central Shomron) has started a \"hot line\" for adolescent religious girls in distress. Appropriately-trained 3rd-year female students of the school\'s educational counseling course will staff the line. Dr. Shraga Fischerman, who announced the program, said that the hot line provides an opportunity for the girls to discuss problems such as dating, relationships with parents, choosing a place to study, and more, with someone who shares a similar background. \"The student counselors, speaking to callers who are totally anonymous, may be able to provide a better level of empathy and understanding than any other professional,\" he said. The Religious Education Administration and the Education Ministry helped out in the project.



The toll-free number to call (in Israel) is 1800-251818; counselors are there between the hours of 4 and 10 PM, Sunday through Wednesday; at other times, callers can leave a message and the staffers will call back.