The image was striking: five surveillance soldiers, recently freed after enduring over 470 harrowing days in Hamas captivity, joining hands to form a heart. This powerful symbol of resilience and gratitude emerged from the balcony of the Returnees Department at Beilinson Hospital in Israel, as they listened to a concert conducted by Michael Wolpe, an initiative of a member and the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. The concert was held in their honour while they received critical medical treatment.

Professor Noa Eliakim-raz, the head doctor of the Returnees Department, reflected on the profound experience: “We saw peopel coming from the most horrible place imaginable, and they were grateful.You would think they would be angry or mad, feeling abandoned, but they weren’t.” This sentiment underscores the remarkable spirit of the returnees and the dedication of the Beilinson team.

“They did the heart spontaneously to show their love and gratitude for whatever it took to be released,”

Prof. Noa Eliakim-Raz

This scene highlights the comprehensive support system established at Beilinson Hospital, a model that could inform trauma recovery programs hear in the U.S., particularly for veterans returning from combat or survivors of mass casualty events. The integration of medical, psychological, and social services, coupled with personalized care, offers a holistic approach to healing. This approach stands in stark contrast to the often-fragmented care available in the U.S., where individuals may struggle to navigate multiple agencies and providers.

A holistic Approach to Recovery

Each returnee receives individualized care, forming a “capsule” of support. This includes a dedicated doctor, nurse, social worker, psycho-social caregiver from the Geha Mental Health Center, nutritionist, physiotherapist, and an accompanying officer from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This multidisciplinary team works within a specially designed ward to provide initial hospitalization and ongoing outpatient rehabilitation tailored to each individual’s needs.

The IDF plays a crucial role in this process. As Prof. Eliakim-Raz explained, “The army is an integral part of this war. The army is part of the return of the hostages, and they’re also part of the security… The army is an integral part of the management of the ward; it’s in charge of who enters this ward, and they’re supposed to block entrance to civilians. They arrange everything that’s not medical or psychological.”

This level of integration between the military and medical services is noteworthy. In the U.S., the department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides healthcare services to veterans, but the Beilinson model suggests a more deeply embedded partnership could enhance the transition and recovery process for service members returning from deployment. For example, embedding VA social workers within military units before deployment could facilitate a smoother transition back home, ensuring continuity of care and addressing potential mental health issues proactively.

Sence October 7th, each hostage family has been assigned a reserve soldier, sometimes two officers, who provide updates on new intelligence and offer unwavering support. According to the Beilinson team, “They become one of the family. Ther’s a very good relationship, and families rely on them. They’re very dedicated.It’s a very special relationship.” This level of personalized support extends beyond the individual returnee to encompass the entire family unit, recognizing the profound impact of trauma on all involved.

The Vital role of Social Workers

Social workers are integral to the recovery process, accompanying families as their loved ones navigate the complexities of reintegration. They provide crucial emotional support, connect families with resources, and advocate for their needs. This holistic approach recognizes that recovery is not solely a medical process but also a social and emotional one.

One meaningful pitfall is overlooking the returnee’s need for agency. Healthcare professionals must ensure families understand the returnees’ need to make their own decisions and readjust to life at their own pace rather of imposing familial roles. This support must be delivered without pressure or judgment.

Operational Excellence and Compassionate Care

the Beilinson Hospital’s approach is characterized by operational excellence and compassionate care. The staff’s unwavering dedication, despite the unimaginable trauma they witness, highlights the power of human connection in the healing process. This dedication is a critical component often overlooked in large, bureaucratic healthcare systems.

The ultimate goal is not only to alleviate symptoms but to facilitate genuine healing and growth. This involves helping the returnees reclaim a sense of personal agency, purpose, and joy. It’s about supporting them in rebuilding a life of meaning and connection. through compassionate, integrated, and personalized support, we can assist individuals in healing from trauma and rebuilding their lives.

Lessons for the U.S. and Beyond

The Beilinson Hospital model offers valuable lessons for trauma recovery programs worldwide, particularly in the U.S. The key principles include:

• integrated Care: This involves coordinating medical, psychological, and social services to provide a holistic approach to recovery. In the U.S., this could mean military hospitals partnering with organizations that offer family therapy, job retraining, and financial counseling.
• Personalized support: Recognizing that each individual’s experience of trauma is unique, treatment plans should be tailored to their specific needs. A veteran who has experienced combat-related PTSD may require a very different treatment plan than one who is dealing with a chronic pain condition.
• Family Involvement: Trauma impacts not only the individual but also their family. Family sessions can help people understand and address the stress that is created through post-traumatic scenarios.
• Military Partnership: Strengthening collaboration between military and civilian healthcare providers can ensure a seamless transition for service members returning from deployment. This could be facilitated through programs involving collaboration with the Department of veteran Affairs (VA).
• Empowerment and Autonomy: Caregivers who offer survivors of natural disasters help them to regain their self-direction over time, promoting confidence and a sense of self-efficiency.This principle is crucial for fostering long-term recovery and resilience.

These principles can be applied to various contexts, including veteran care, disaster relief, and support for survivors of violence. By adopting a holistic, personalized, and collaborative approach, we can improve the lives of those who have experienced trauma and help them rebuild their lives with meaning and purpose.

From Captivity to Healing: Expert Insights on Beilinson Hospital’s Revolutionary Approach to Hostage Recovery

Dr. Sharma, a leading expert in trauma recovery, recently discussed the Beilinson Hospital’s innovative approach with a senior editor. The conversation highlighted the key elements of the programme and its potential applications in other contexts.

The senior editor began by noting the significant pitfall of overlooking the returnee’s need for agency, emphasizing that “Healthcare professionals must ensure families understand the returnees’ need to make their own decisions and readjust to life at their own pace instead of imposing familial roles. This support must be delivered without pressure or judgment.”

Dr. Sharma elaborated on the transferrable principles from Beilinson Hospital’s model:

• The Power of Integrated Care

  Dr.Sharma emphasized the importance of integrated care,explaining that “This could involve military hospitals partnering with organizations that offer family therapy,job retraining,and financial counseling.” This holistic approach addresses the multifaceted needs of trauma survivors, ensuring they receive comprehensive support.

• Blending Military and Medical Support

  The seamless integration of military and medical support is another key element of the Beilinson model. Dr. Sharma noted that “A veteran who has experienced combat-related PTSD may require a very different treatment plan than one who is dealing with a chronic pain condition.” This personalized approach ensures that each individual receives the care that is most appropriate for their specific needs.

The senior editor highlighted the Beilinson staff’s positive outlook, despite the unimaginable trauma, and asked about the ultimate goal of a treatment plan when dealing with such complex trauma.

Dr. Sharma concluded,”The ultimate goal is not only to alleviate symptoms but to facilitate genuine healing and growth. This involves helping the returnees reclaim a sense of personal agency, purpose, and joy. It’s about supporting them in rebuilding a life of meaning and connection. Through compassionate, integrated, and personalized support, we can assist individuals in healing from trauma and rebuilding their lives.”