Israelis Abroad Volunteer for Mental Health Hotline, Bridging Time Zones

The Israeli mental health support hotline, ERAN, is experiencing a significant increase in nighttime calls, with many answered by volunteers living abroad. This initiative, launched to address the challenge of volunteer availability during peak nighttime hours in Israel, allows Israelis in different time zones, such as the US and Australia, to staff shifts when it's daytime for them. ERAN CEO David Koren explained that the goal was to find a solution for nighttime availability, as expecting working volunteers to be awake overnight is difficult.

Currently, about 250 of ERAN's 2,000 volunteers reside overseas. These international volunteers handle nearly half of all calls during Israeli nighttime hours. Volunteers like Yael from Washington D.C., Vered from Boston, and Anat from Melbourne share that while the specific triggers for distress might differ, the core human experiences of loneliness, family issues, financial hardship, and existential crises are universal.

Yael, who moved to the US 25 years ago, noted a significant surge in calls in the weeks following the October 7th Hamas attacks, recounting a conversation with a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre. Anat, a psychologist from Melbourne, emphasized that despite living far from Israel, her strong Israeli identity connects her deeply to the callers. Vered, an interior designer from the Boston area, highlighted how the volunteering allows her to feel connected to Israel, especially after October 7th, when she felt unable to contribute physically.

All three volunteers stressed that their role is not to provide therapy but to offer a listening ear and a sense of presence, helping callers feel less alone. They also mentioned that the skills learned, particularly active listening without judgment, have benefited their personal lives. The volunteers also confirmed they intend to vote in upcoming Israeli elections.