Academic Work of Slain Hostage Carmel Gath Published as Study Material

The academic work of Carmel Gath, who was abducted from Kibbutz Be'eri and murdered by Hamas in captivity, has been published as a study resource. Saglit (Gath) Salminis, Gath's aunt and an occupational therapist and lecturer, processed her niece's final academic paper into an article published in the Israeli Journal of Occupational Therapy (IJOT).

Salminis, who prepared the article for a year, stated that the process was emotionally challenging but that it was important to bring Gath's work to light. Gath was in her second year of a master's degree in occupational therapy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem when she was abducted in October 2023. Her paper was a literature review on supported education programs for individuals with mental health challenges in post-secondary education.

Salminis and Gath's academic supervisor, Dr. Nirit Lev-Erez, ensured the published article remained faithful to Gath's original words, sources, and ideas. Gath's goal was to make this knowledge accessible to the mental health rehabilitation community. Her research indicated that supported education programs significantly improve mental well-being, self-confidence, and social participation for students, increasing retention rates and aiding future employment.

The article concludes with Salminis and Lev-Erez calling for increased involvement from the occupational therapy community in this field, emphasizing that Gath's legacy of promoting hope for individuals with mental health challenges will continue to inspire.

Starting in the upcoming academic year, Gath's work will be incorporated into the occupational therapy curriculum at the Hebrew University. In the article's preface, it is noted that Noam and Alma Or, who were abducted with Gath and held captive, described her as their "guardian angel."