Israeli Association Fights Suicide Stigma, Offers Support

Ofra Hermesh founded the Israeli organization Bishvil Hahayim after her son, Assaf, died by suicide at age 19 during his military service. For nearly 30 years, Hermesh has worked to break the silence surrounding suicide and support bereaved families. Assaf, a soldier in the armored corps, was reportedly called back to his unit for a mobilization drill and died by suicide with his service weapon near his home in Herzliya. His family, initially unaware of his distress, received psychological support from the army due to his service, prompting his parents, Ofra and Haggai Hermesh, to address the needs of civilian families facing similar tragedies.

They encountered significant stigma, with friends unsure how to react or avoiding the topic altogether. This led to the formal establishment of Bishvil Hahayim in 2000. The organization now offers therapeutic groups, support for relatives, and prevention programs aimed at recognizing signs of distress. They also collaborate with schools, businesses, and public institutions.

According to Bishvil Hahayim, between 500 and 550 people die by suicide annually in Israel, with over 10,000 attempted suicides. Clinical psychologist Maya Iohan-Barak, a board member, emphasizes early intervention, teaching children to identify psychological suffering and seek help. She stresses that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts does not plant the idea but can facilitate professional help.

The issue has gained urgency since the October 7th attacks, with reports of suicides among Nova festival survivors and residents near Gaza, highlighting the long-term psychological impact of trauma. Bishvil Hahayim aims to expand its reach to underserved communities, including the ultra-Orthodox and Arab sectors, as well as lone soldiers. Ofra Hermesh continues her work from Assaf's former room, driven by the goal of making suicide an open topic to prevent deaths caused by silence.