Yair Golan's Democrats Party Proposes National Mental Health Rehabilitation Plan

The Democrats party, led by retired Major General Yair Golan, has unveiled a national plan for mental health rehabilitation and recovery, timed to coincide with the three-year mark since the October 7th attacks. The party pledges to establish a comprehensive national headquarters for mental health rehabilitation within the next government, equipped with inter-ministerial authority. This body would spearhead a multi-year program to ensure Israel takes responsibility for the recovery of those most affected.

The proposed plan is built upon five guiding principles: proactive response, tiered support, recovery-oriented care, accessible and continuous services, and professional standards. It aims to shift the focus from disability percentages to rehabilitation and recovery, enabling individuals to return to family life, work, and education. The plan also calls for a significant investment of at least 1.5 billion shekels in the public mental health system and an increase in the number of therapists.

Gil Sheli, father of Yoav, who is dealing with trauma after fighting terrorists on October 7th in Kibbutz Be'eri, shared his son's experience. Yoav, who initially downplayed his trauma, later exhibited deep psychological distress during combat in Gaza. Sheli will serve as the project manager for the Democrats' mental health initiative.

At the plan's presentation, two young individuals shared their struggles with combat stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. Adam, a 25-year-old reservist, expressed frustration with feeling abandoned and needing immediate state support. Aviv Levi, a 48-year-old disabled veteran and combat stress survivor, highlighted the difficulties soldiers face in obtaining recognition and treatment.

Yair Golan emphasized that the trauma of October 7th and the subsequent war have created a national mental health crisis, with society left without adequate support. He stated that the party will demand the establishment of the national rehabilitation headquarters as a cornerstone of the next government's platform, expressing confidence in broad support for the initiative.