On October 7, 2023, the residents of the Sha'ar HaNegev region experienced a day of terror and loss that would forever change their lives.
The attack began in the early hours at 6:30 AM. Two hours later, the severity of the situation became painfully clear to all with the announcement that the Head of the Regional Council, Ofir Libstein, had been murdered not far from his home.
Communities along the Gaza border, Kfar Aza and Nahal Oz, were hit the hardest.
After a terrible day locked in their safe rooms, the population was evacuated under fire in the evening. For many, the evacuation process was even more traumatic than the attacks themselves.
The trauma spread beyond those directly attacked. The interconnected nature of the communities of the south means that everyone was affected and everyone experienced loss. The kids of the region all attend the same schools -- every single child knows a schoolmate who was killed.
The Resilience Center of Sha'ar Hanegev
Nadav Peretz has been managing the Resilience Center in Sha'ar HaNegev for almost four years. Resilience centers were established in the south of Israel to provide comprehensive support and community services to residents living under missile attacks and the constant threat of conflict. "We cannot change the security reality” explains Nadav, but with resilience centers, “we can at least improve the quality of life down here."
Before the war, the center operated with a core staff of four full-time employees, 25 therapists and a visiting psychiatrist approximately once a month. Several of Nadav’s colleagues – 7 council employees and several members of the therapeutic staff – were murdered.
The remaining staff supported the community amid their own grief and trauma. On October 7, the resilience center supported the evacuation efforts, coordinating services for displaced residents, providing immediate psychological support, and managing the logistics of relocating families to safe areas while ensuring continuous care and communication.
After the crisis, the need for psychological support skyrocketed. By early 2024, the center had grown significantly, with 12 full-time employees and over 200 therapists to meet the increased demand. The center had to establish satellite offices in five different locations to support the displaced population, some larger than the original resilience center.
Psychological and Emotional Strain
Children and families faced immense emotional challenges. Children who witnessed attacks or lost family members struggled with intense trauma. Schools, which reopened after the crisis, became places where the trauma resurfaced as children with different experiences interacted.
Nadav speaks about the rise in PTSD-like symptoms among children and adults. The center saw a significant increase in cases of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Family-related problems also grew, as the stress of the crisis exacerbated existing issues.
No one imagined that, 10 months after the attacks, so many people would still be displaced. Many residents are still living in temporary housing around the country while others remain in displaced persons shelters or with host families. The displacement adds another layer of stress and instability, making the recovery process even more complex.
No one imagined that, 10 months after the attacks, so many people would still be living in fear. Nadav shared the story of a young girl suffering from severe anxiety, whose parents still refuse to bring her to the Resilience Center because it is too close to Gaza.
Role of Community and Government
Community resilience has been crucial in managing the aftermath. The communal spirit and collective efforts have helped many cope with the trauma. However, coordination between governmental and non-governmental organizations has been challenging. Initial chaos and overlapping responsibilities often hinders efficient response efforts.
While the Resilience Center got 90% of its funding from the government before the war, it has had to rely heavily on philanthropic support for 50% of its budget since October 7. This is not only because of the scale of the trauma experienced, but also because the center recognizes the need to include alternative therapies, such as animal-assisted therapy, yoga, and mindfulness, as traditional methods alone are insufficient for such deep-seated trauma. These approaches are not traditionally covered by the Minister of Health.
Moving Forward
Nadav discussed the development of a new "Resilience Village" near Sderot, designed to provide a holistic approach to mental health and community support. The village aims to be a hub for community gatherings, workshops, and educational programs, fostering resilience and well-being for residents of the region. The initiative reflects a long-term commitment to addressing the psychological and social needs of those affected by ongoing conflicts. It will also serve as a training ground for new therapists and community leaders, ensuring that the skills and knowledge needed to support affected individuals are widely shared.
Nadav's account offers a sobering insight into the extensive and ongoing impact of October 7 on the communities in southern Israel. The challenges are evident, but so are the resilience and determination of these communities. "In the end, we have the ability to cope, we have the strength, we have the good people. We are capable and we can do it," explains Nadav.
Our drive back to the center of the country left us feeling inspired by Nadav’s work and hopeful that his focus on building a community-centered approach to resilience is a promising step towards healing and recovery.
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