Since Israel’s war began on October 7, living in a constant state of danger is the new normal for Israelis. But what happens to people when hope turns to despair the longer a war lasts?
Ukraine has lived through a 10-year war which has intensified in the last few years. Regent University professor Olga Zaporozhets has counseled Ukraine war victims, and believes the same waves of trauma she saw in Ukraine will wash over Israel, if nothing is done to prevent it. And thankfully, it can be prevented, through recently developed therapies.
Unlike a single short-lived disaster, with a return to safety and recovery, living with the stress of prolonged war can take a long-term toll, with people needing relief and hope. Zaporozhets explained, “I believe Ukrainian research and professionals now have these new experiences, new research, and new results that are very valuable in the Israeli situation right now.”
She continued, “We have tools to bring healing and early intervention stabilization procedures. If people know how to do them, PTSD and stress reactions go away—and PTSD does not develop.” This can be a vital tool in bringing war victims into a healthier, hopeful place.
And thanks to the support of caring donors, these new methods were showcased in a workshop in Ramet Gan, Israel—featuring a collaboration of CBN Israel, Regent University, Israel Trauma Coalition, and counseling institutions established by Regent University in Ukraine.
Though CBN Israel has hosted numerous trauma counseling seminars, this one was conducted exclusively in Russian. More than 50 Russian-speaking therapists from across the nation attended, since 1.5 million Israelis speak Russian—including refugees who escaped Ukraine’s war. Research shows that receiving counseling in one’s native language produces better results.
Your gifts to CBN Israel can also help war victims in many other ways—through evacuations, meals, lodging, and more—while providing compassionate relief to those in need across the Holy Land.
Please join us in reaching out with God’s love to those who are hurting!
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