How to Respond to Israel’s National Trauma Crisis

Although the war has faded from the headlines, many Israelis are still living its psychological aftermath every day. The article says post-traumatic stress has grown from an individual challenge into a broad social and national crisis affecting families, workers, therapists and entire communities.

Izik Saidian, who lives with post-trauma and heads the organization BeGova Einayim, will take part in a conference on June 22. He says recovery should not depend only on a therapist’s couch or medication. According to Saidian, healing can also come through movement, contact with nature and support from a united community, adding that for many people the sea, the land and open spaces are central to returning to independent life. He argues that the health system must recognize that every person has a different path to recovery and provide the support they need.

Saidian also says the state and society must understand that support is needed not only by those formally recognized as post-traumatic, but by anyone who has returned from combat. The event will also include Roy Yaakov, acting chairman of the Histadrut, Eli Gabai, chair of the Histadrut health professionals union, Inbal Hermoni, chair of the social workers union, attorney Idan Kliman, head of the Disabled Veterans of the IDF organization, and other experts and personal speakers.

Topics at the conference will include post-trauma in the workplace, family trauma and its impact on household members, burnout and its effects on the system. The conference, titled “A State in Post-Trauma,” is organized by Yedioth Ahronoth Group with the Histadrut and moderated by Sharon Kidon. It will be held live on June 22 and broadcast on ynet’s website and app, with extensive coverage on ynet and in Yedioth Ahronoth.