rebuilding Mental Well-Being in Israel: Innovative Solutions Amidst Collective Trauma
The events of October 7 have left an indelible mark on israeli society, triggering a nationwide mental well-being crisis. In a recent interview with The Jerusalem Post as part of their Rebuilding the North broadcast, Efrat Stern, Division Director at JDC-Israel’s “Beyond Limitations, Resilience and Mental Health” division, shed light on the psychological toll of the war and the innovative approaches being implemented too address it.
Stern emphasized the critical distinction between mental health and mental well-being.While mental health refers to diagnosed conditions requiring clinical intervention, mental well-being affects every individual in Israeli society. “It’s about me, my family, my society,” Stern explained, highlighting the pervasive nature of the crisis.
The statistics are staggering.According to Stern, 55% of children experience stress every minute of the day, impairing their ability to focus in school. Meanwhile, 42% of Israeli adults struggle with sleep, and 40% of parents report heightened anxiety. These figures underscore the urgent need for complete support systems.
Before October 7, israel’s mental health system was already underfunded and under-resourced. Since the war began, 80% of government funding for mental health has been allocated to clinical solutions. While essential for some, Stern argued that most of the population does not require clinical intervention but rather community-based support. “Ther are all kinds of interventions that we can use,” she noted, including technological and peer-support solutions.
One such initiative is Kai, an AI-driven mental health companion developed in collaboration with Co-founder and CEO Alex Frankel. “it can ask you, ‘Did you meet a friend today? did you go for a walk?’ And if the platform detects stress, a professional can reach out and offer help,” Stern explained. Kai has shown promising results and is currently implemented in Ben-Gurion University, Reichman University, and the Maccabi healthcare system.
Another project, operated in partnership with the MaFrashim Institute from Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College, the Israeli government, and local authorities, trains frontline workers—such as community police officers and National Insurance Institute employees—to recognize signs of stress in themselves and others. It equips them with tools to provide initial support and refer people to appropriate services.
Additionally, the Dugri platform, developed in collaboration with founder and CEO Yotam Dagan, facilitates peer-to-peer support for soldiers, allowing them to connect with those who share similar experiences.
while all of Israel is experiencing collective trauma, residents of the North face additional hardships. Many have been displaced for weeks or months,with schools and workplaces still not fully operational. Fear of returning home remains high, even in the absence of active rocket fire.”The feeling of personal security is very, very low,” Stern acknowledged, making recovery even more challenging.
| Key Statistics | Percentage |
|———————|—————-|
| Children experiencing daily stress | 55% |
| Adults struggling with sleep | 42% |
| Parents reporting heightened anxiety | 40% |
The road to recovery is long, but initiatives like Kai, MaFrashim, and dugri offer hope. By addressing mental well-being through innovative, community-based solutions, Israel is taking crucial steps toward healing its collective trauma.
For more insights into Israel’s mental health crisis and the efforts to rebuild, visit The Jerusalem Post’s coverage of Rebuilding the North.
Addressing Mental Well-Being: A Collaborative Approach to Localized Interventions
Mental health remains a pressing global issue, yet public awareness and access to quality resources continue to be important barriers. According to recent insights,65% of individuals experiencing anxiety or stress do not recognize their need for help and have never sought assistance. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective, community-driven solutions.
To tackle this challenge, the JDC (Joint distribution Committee) is working closely with municipalities to develop localized interventions tailored to each community’s unique needs. These efforts include expanding peer-to-peer support networks and training local service providers to identify and assist those experiencing stress.
The Challenges of Mental Health Interventions
One of the primary obstacles in addressing mental well-being is ensuring that interventions are both practical and accessible. Research from England reveals that only 30% of mental health interventions meet quality standards. This gap highlights the necessity for rigorous evaluation and betterment of existing programs.To address this, the JDC, in collaboration with the Meitiv Institute from Reichman University, is developing a seal of quality to assess mental health interventions. This initiative aims to ensure that programs are not only accessible but also effective in promoting mental well-being.
Collaboration: The Key to Effective Solutions
According to Stern, a key figure in these efforts, effective mental well-being solutions require collaboration between government bodies, civil society organizations, and local communities. “We can bring all of them together, and we can make change while all of us sit together in the same room,” she emphasized.
This collaborative approach ensures that interventions are not only tailored to the specific needs of each community but also supported by a network of stakeholders committed to fostering mental health.
Summary of Key Initiatives
| Initiative | Description |
|————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Localized Interventions | tailored programs developed in collaboration with municipalities. |
| Peer-to-Peer support Networks | Expanding community-driven support systems. |
| Seal of Quality | Assessing and ensuring the effectiveness of mental health interventions. |
| collaborative Efforts | Uniting government,civil society,and local communities for holistic solutions.|
Moving Forward
as the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, it is clear that a multifaceted approach is essential.By combining localized interventions, rigorous quality assessments, and collaborative efforts, organizations like the JDC are paving the way for more effective mental health solutions.
For more insights on mental health initiatives, subscribe to The jerusalem Post Newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments.
This article was written in collaboration with JDC-Israel.
