Israel’s Trauma Care System Warns of Collapse Under Post-October 7 Demand

Since October 7, the number of Israelis seeking psychological treatment and rehabilitation has risen sharply, while the professionals on the front line say the system is under severe strain. At a "State in Post-Trauma" conference by ynet, Yedioth Ahronoth and the Histadrut, therapists described constant overload, burnout and worsening shortages of staff and treatment slots.

Nat"L’s Riki Meiri said the group’s helplines have received 150,000 calls so far, and its total caseload has grown from hundreds before October 7 to thousands across individual, group and employment-support programs. She said the organization is currently treating about 3,000 people, half reservists and half civilians, and that demand spikes after major security events, including the war with Iran. Meiri also warned of “compassion fatigue,” saying therapists must not work alone and need training and peer groups.

Attorney Idan Kleiman, head of the Disabled Veterans Organization, said Israel had 8,000 to 8,500 post-trauma casualties before October 7, then added 25,000 new wounded, 62% of whom already report PTSD symptoms, anxiety and related problems. He apologized for remarks in a private conversation that had offended some trauma victims, saying, “I took full responsibility.” He said his comments were aimed at a small group promoting what he called “anti-rehabilitation legislation,” not at all combat veterans.

Physiotherapist Eli Gabai said rehabilitation cannot separate physical and mental injury, especially with war wounds and amputations, and that many therapists take patients’ trauma home with them. He said some therapists have already left, and warned, “We are not coping. We are shortening treatments, and I think we are approaching an explosion.” He added that community therapists make home visits during air-raid alerts, sometimes in homes without protected spaces, and are afraid for their own lives.

Social worker and psychotherapist Souhir Daxa said Arab society entered the war already emotionally fragile, with fewer professionals, weaker protection, and persistent insecurity, especially amid crime and violence in Arab towns. She cited studies showing PTSD rates of about 54% in the Arab population, higher than among Jewish Israelis, and said staff shortages and movement into private practice are widening access gaps. Kleiman also warned that if the government does not approve the Mor-Yosef committee recommendations on rehabilitation, they may remain shelved until after the next election, leaving patients to pay the price.