Israeli Suicide Prevention Group Fights Stigma, Expands Services

The Israeli organization "Bechavlei HaChaim" (Path of Life) is working to break the silence surrounding suicide in Israel, a cause born from personal tragedy. Ofra Hermish founded the group after her 19-year-old son, Assaf, a soldier in the Armored Corps, died by suicide in 1993. Assaf was reportedly facing a potential prison sentence for not returning to his unit during a mobilization drill, a situation his parents were unaware of.

"Bechavlei HaChaim," established in 2000, now supports bereaved families and develops suicide prevention programs. According to the organization, between 500 and 550 people die by suicide annually in Israel, with over 10,000 attempted suicides recorded. Clinical psychologist and board member Maya Yohan-Barak emphasizes that prevention should start in childhood, teaching youth to recognize psychological distress and seek help.

The Hermish family's experience highlighted the social stigma associated with suicide, as some friends struggled to interact with them after Assaf's death. This motivated Ofra and her husband, Haggai Hermish, a psychologist, to address the needs of families dealing with civilian suicides. The organization offers group therapy, support for loved ones, and programs to identify signs of distress, collaborating with schools, businesses, and public institutions.

Experts stress that asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts does not encourage them; open dialogue can facilitate access to professional help. The issue has gained increased urgency since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent war, with reports of suicides among survivors of the Nova music festival and residents of Gaza-border communities, underscoring the long-term psychological impact of trauma.

"Bechavlei HaChaim" aims to expand its reach to underserved populations, including the Haredi community, the Arab sector, and lone soldiers. Ofra Hermish continues her advocacy, striving to make suicide a topic of open discussion to ensure timely identification of those at risk.