According to a report from the Hebrew news agency Tasnim, the Ma’ariv newspaper has announced the formation of a research center aimed at investigating the growing phenomenon of psychological issues within Israeli society. This initiative comes in response to the increasing mental health challenges faced by the population.
Bar-Ilan University has revealed the establishment of a unique interdisciplinary center focused on studying the psychological effects of the October 7 incident (Operation Storm of Al-Aqsa) and the ongoing conflict. The center will conduct in-depth studies on various demographics impacted by the war, including prisoners and their families, soldiers, refugees from both the north and south, as well as medical personnel, emergency teams, and journalists involved in the crisis.Managed by a team of psychiatric specialists in Israel the center aims to harness a historical opportunity to understand the real-time consequences of trauma. One of the officials stated “Unfortunately in the post-war period we have a unique chance to comprehend the effects of trauma as they unfold. We want to identify vulnerabilities and resilience factors to better recognize and treat trauma which manifests both physically and mentally. Our studies must encompass these aspects.”
The inaugural study of this center currently in advanced development stages will focus on one of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups affected by the war: returning prisoners of war and their families. This research seeks to understand the psychological biological and social impacts of captivity identify vulnerabilities and resilience factors and explore appropriate therapeutic responses for each group.
Additionally the center will examine the broader population’s experiences acknowledging that the psychological impact of the past two years has permeated every household in Israel (territories occupied since 1948).
