Nature Therapy Offers Solace to Israelis Coping With War Trauma

Since the October 7th attacks and the ensuing "Swords of Iron" war, many Israelis have been seeking natural healing methods to cope with trauma. Activities such as beekeeping, hiking, and tending to livestock are gaining popularity as ways to help adolescents, reservists, and others suffering from stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI) recognized the need to support tens of thousands of displaced individuals. At their field schools in Ein Gedi and Eilat, they launched "resilience journeys" for evacuated youth. Liali Melman, SPNI's Director of Development and Impact, explained that war trauma persists long after immediate danger subsides. She observed that while many volunteers focused on younger children or the elderly, teenagers often disappeared into the background, sometimes seen in dark corners, indicating a rapid descent into at-risk behavior.

Over the past three years, SPNI has conducted 118 resilience journeys nationwide, involving 5,700 young people. A significant 94.7% reported overcoming a fear, and 93% of parents wished for their child to participate in another journey. Post-journey, 92.8% of the youth reported a stronger connection to nature. These programs were funded entirely by donations, without state support.

In parallel, numerous therapeutic farms have emerged. Galia Ben Haim, a forest therapy practitioner in Petah Tikva, highlights the medical benefits of simply walking among trees, noting that her center hosts survivors of the Nova music festival. She emphasizes that this is not just "tree-hugging" but is backed by scientific research, with former Ministry of Health Director-General Itamar Grotto conducting clinical studies showing physiological changes and reduced stress levels.

"Pomegranate Farm" in the Negev offers therapy to hundreds of reservists and PTSD sufferers through open-space activities, sheep herding, and gardening. They have also introduced a "resilience beekeeping" program, where participants learn to manage beehives. This activity, involving protective gear that can resemble military uniforms, introduces a controlled element of danger (the risk of stings) to heighten alertness in a safe environment. Research on American soldiers returning from Afghanistan showed a 31% decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms with this method.

Doctoral student Marai Kadi, a bee researcher at the Hebrew University, noted that reservists often struggle to return to routine, and early intervention is crucial for those showing even early signs of PTSD. He explained that working with bees requires calmness and focus, teaching valuable lessons about managing stress and approaching challenges with a clear mind. The bees themselves are sensitive to agitated behavior, reinforcing the need for a serene approach.