Based on a Jerusalem Post article from December 2025, “A record 32% of Israelis say they need professional mental health assistance, the highest figure since tracking began, according to Maccabi Healthcare’s 2025 Israel Health Index. Among soldiers, the need is even higher at 39%, with nearly half reporting sleep disturbances.”
In 2025, Hadassah International has played a convening and leadership role—supporting Hadassah hospitals’ trauma specialists, amplifying clinical expertise, and strengthening international partnerships—to respond rapidly and responsibly to escalating mental health needs in Israel and across the Jewish world.
- Emergency Trauma Response
- Community Leadership and Mental Health Awareness
- Youth and Family Support
Australia: Rapid Response Following the Bondi Beach Attack
Hadassah International led the global Hadassah movement’s rapid response following the terrorist attack at a Hanukkah gathering in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia.
Working closely with Hadassah Australia and drawing on the Hadassah hospitals’ extensive clinical experience in treating terror- and war-related trauma, Hadassah International facilitated immediate expert support for professionals and community leaders.
Within hours of the attack, Dr. Amichai Ben-Ari, a senior psychologist at Hadassah hospitals specializing in acute trauma, led an emergency webinar for Australian Jewish therapists. The session focused on early crisis intervention, needs assessment, and support for victims, families, and second-circle communities.
In the days that followed, Dr. Ben-Ari, Dr. Shiri Ben David, Hadassah hospitals’ Chief Psychologist, and Dr. Naomi Maimon, Director of Hadassah hospitals’ Trauma Clinic – all highly experienced in the treatment of acute trauma – provided:
- Professional guidance materials were shared with therapists and community leaders
- An online briefing was delivered to Australian family physicians, offering practical tools for patient and community care
- Ongoing consultations were coordinated with local mental health professionals
This response built on relationships developed over time, including prior training sessions led by Hadassah hospitals specialists in Australia, ensuring trust, speed, and clinical relevance at a moment of crisis.
United Kingdom: Community Leadership and Mental Health Awareness
In response to the deepening mental health crisis following the October 7 attacks and the aftermath of the war in Israel, Hadassah International, together with Hadassah UK, led a week of high-level community engagement in London in June 2025, reaching more than 200 participants across four hybrid events.
Despite regional instability preventing travel, Dr. Shiri Ben-David, Chief Psychologist at the Hadassah hospitals, joined each gathering virtually, sharing frontline clinical insights drawn from Hadassah hospitals’ extensive experience treating trauma since October 7. Her contributions anchored every discussion in medical expertise and practical guidance.
Across business leaders, healthcare professionals, trustees, and community members, the conversations addressed trauma, resilience, leadership under pressure, and the urgent need to expand psychological capacity in Israel—where over one million people are expected to require mental health care.
During the UK events, findings from a national Jewish community mental health survey—conducted by Hadassah UK with professional partners—were shared publicly. Completed by more than 500 respondents, the survey revealed elevated levels of anxiety and emotional distress following October 7, underscoring the need for sustained mental health education, support, and professional services.
Hadassah International is now supporting the expansion of this survey model to additional communities, beginning with Australia, with the aim of building a broader evidence base to inform future interventions.
Youth and Family Support
Complementing professional interventions, Young Hadassah Without Borders developed Words for Hope, a practical guide for parents, caregivers, and educators to support children and teens coping with war-related anxiety and rising antisemitism.
Learn more: [Link to Words for Hoe page]
Partner with Us in Strengthening Mental Health and Trauma Recovery at Hadassah hospitals
The scale of today’s mental health challenge requires more than awareness—it demands sustained capacity, trained professionals, and long-term infrastructure. The impact described here is made possible through focused investment and global partnership.
Learn how supporters are helping expand trauma care, strengthen clinical capacity, and build the systems required for long-term recovery at Hadassah hospitals: Mental Health and Trauma Recovery
