From trauma to hope

NATAL therapists use a variety of respite activities to treat young patients who have experienced trauma. (Photo courtesy of NATAL)

Seven-year-old Limor* had already endured so much trauma on October 7. Then, during the war, a missile struck near her home, retriggering her fear and anxiety.

In the aftermath, Limor stopped leaving her house. She refused to sleep or shower and would not step out of her safe room. Her parents, exhausted and desperate, watched their daughter withdraw further each day and even considered taking her to a psychiatric emergency room.

At NATAL, Israel’s leading trauma-focused organization, psychologist Shani intervened immediately. “Sometimes one hand extended at the right time is enough to begin mending a shattered world,” Shani said.

Alongside the individual therapy, Shani guided Limor’s parents on how to support their daughter through calm presence, shared breathing, and restoring a sense of stability at home. At a critical moment, a short stay with Limor’s grandparents in a quieter environment proved pivotal. Within hours, she began to eat, sleep, and play again.

“The treatment continued for months, entirely at Limor’s pace,” Shani explained. “The road ahead is still long, but Limor and her parents are walking it with growing confidence, and not alone.”

Along with her family, Limor is returning to life, one small step at a time, rediscovering what it feels like to feel safe again.

*Name changed to protect privacy.

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In 2025, you made it possible to—

Provide $13.1 million for trauma relief and emotional support for Israelis

Allocate $4.6 million for Israelis’ housing, food, and physical needs

Award $1.2 million in aid to Israelis impacted by Iranian missiles

Fund $6 million to support Israelis’ employment and economic resilience

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“It’s so nice to know that JUF and the Jewish community here cares about us, loves us, wants to help us…it feels like we’re not alone in the world. It gives us hope.”

~Alon, Kibbutz Nir Oz Teen Counselor