In this episode of "Hadassah on the Ground: In Peace and War," we explore the critical theme of rehabilitation. Our experts delve into the pivotal role the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) and programs supported by Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America play in both the short- and long-term care of victims affected by the Hamas massacre.
Hadassah provides the only major psychiatric and psychological treatment center in Jerusalem, explains HMO Director General Prof. Yoram Weiss. Moreover, Jerusalem lacks rehabilitation beds. By January 1, Hadassah expects to open its new rehabilitation center, filling the gap by providing a top-notch, advanced rehabilitation center for the city.
Listen as Dr. Shiri Ben-David, chief psychologist at HMO, sheds light on navigating trauma during times of war. Dr. Ben-David shares the poignant account of a 20-year-old survivor from the Re'im music festival massacre who, amid the chaos, fled the scene, leaving some friends behind. While all survived, the lingering guilt has prevented the young man from finding peace, affecting his ability to sleep and resume his daily life.
Dr. Amit Shalev, director of the Herman Dana Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO), instills hope by emphasizing the remarkable strength of the human spirit and mind. According to him, most children display resilience, demonstrating the capacity to maintain emotional well-being even after witnessing the most challenging experiences, such as the ones they experienced on October 7 or the rocket fire that children in many parts of the country continue to endure.
"Most people who would react in psychiatric or psychological distress after a traumatic event, most of them will cure spontaneously," Dr. Shalev says. However, he says there will be those who have a stronger reaction to trauma, and it is essential to identify these people and provide early intervention to prevent them from developing a severe form of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Finally, we will hear from Lapid Levi, HMO's chief financial and chief operating officer, who talks about the work being done at the Hadassah-supported Youth Aliyah villages, as well as Einat Reich, chairwoman of Hadassah Neurim, who has been volunteering with the youth villages for 15 years.
Some of the Hadassah Neurim staff drove their cars to pick up students after the massacre and bring them back to the village, where they received mental support. In addition, the Naale kids from Russia and Ukraine stayed on campus the whole time. Moreover, the village received 100 youths from the south after October 7, while several core staff members have been called for reservist duty.
"What's going on in Israel is very heavy," Reich says. "Everybody is very stressed. There is a lot of anxiety... But I am especially proud of Hadassah Neurim. They are doing an amazing job."
Further learning:
Hadassah On Call: New Frontiers in Medicine is a production of Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America. Hadassah enhances the health of people around the world through medical education, care and research innovations at the Hadassah Medical Organization. For more information on the latest advances in medicine, please head over to hadassah.org.
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The show is hosted by Maayan Hoffman and produced by the team at the Hadassah offices in both New York and Israel.
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