Since October 7, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and 142 Federations throughout North America have raised $833 million to support the ongoing humanitarian needs created in its aftermath. As trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is on the rise, with no end in sight, JFNA is partnering with the Israeli Health Ministry to establish 16 community-based mental health centers across Israel.
The $14 million initiative, spurred by the traumatic events of the Hamas attacks, aims to serve 200,000 Israelis annually. According to an article in eJewishPhilanthropy, in order to address the influx of PTSD cases, the Health Ministry has assigned hospitals the responsibility for specific regions, creating a decentralized model that is meant to bring services directly to the affected communities.
“Each hospital developed teams responsible for mapping out the needs in their designated areas,” said Gilad Bodenheimer, head of mental health services at the Israeli Health Ministry.
“This included identifying suitable locations, such as hotels converted into temporary housing, and ensuring these sites had access to mental health professionals.”
The $14 million program, named Mental Health in the Community, is a critical response to the widespread post-traumatic stress disorder that has afflicted many Israelis since October 7. JFNA is contributing nearly $7 million to cover half of the first year’s costs, while the Ministry of Health will fund the remaining half and future expenses. Rebecca Caspi, director of JFNA’s Israel Office, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
“Federations have raised nearly $850 million for urgent needs in Israel since October 7. The deeply traumatic nature of the terror attacks necessitates a focused approach on mental health. This partnership with the Ministry of Health is a crucial part of our support strategy.”
“The new centers will provide non-stigmatizing, accessible mental health services, differentiating them from traditional psychiatric hospitals,” Caspi noted.
“These community-based resources will allow individuals with diverse needs to receive treatment discreetly. We anticipate treating hundreds of thousands of people, representing a systemic response to the current emergency,” she said.
“Our local Israel Emergency Fund allocated over $500,000 to JFNA for mental health needs since the start of the war, and we are grateful we could play a part in this urgent and ever-growing need,” shared Diane Sloyer, UJF’s Chief Executive Officer.
To learn more about how to help make a difference in the ongoing human service needs, contact Diane Sloyer at Dianesloyer@ujf.org.