The mental health of an entire community is not something that is often discussed. In Israel, October 7 caused a collective trauma – a trauma that hasn’t ended yet. The continued captivity of the Israeli hostages by Hamas deeply affects not only the hostages and their families but the collective mental health and resilience of Israeli society.
If following the worst trauma of Jewish history – the Holocaust – rose the state of Israel, then from the worst trauma of the state of Israel – October 7th – a new state may rise. But for this to happen, the trauma must end. And for the trauma to end – the hostages must all return.
For this tough conversation, we brought together three Israeli voices working on the ground to raise awareness, build community resilience, and call for global solidarity.
This learning session offered more than a political update — it was a window into the emotional, psychological, and societal weight carried by Israelis since October 7. The speakers, each engaged in different aspects of public activism and mental health advocacy, provided insight into how individuals and communities are coping, mobilizing, and maintaining a sense of purpose while facing ongoing trauma.
Aviva Grossman opened the session with a description of what happened with the hostages so far, and what we know about the way that they are being held in Gaza.
Warning: this segment includes rough information and imagery.
Shira Yalon-Chamovich, a leading voice in public mental health, focused on the psychological impact the hostage crisis has had on Israeli society. She shared clinical and communal observations, explaining how prolonged uncertainty and grief have created nationwide emotional fatigue. Yet, she also described the strength and resilience emerging from grassroots activism and mutual support. Shira highlighted how efforts to bring the hostages home are directly tied to national healing.
Nadav Rudaeff, son of Lior Rudaeff, z”l, who was killed and whose body was taken hostage on October 7th, closed the event by telling the story of his father and everything his family went through on October 7th. Nadav spoke about the urgency of public pressure — in Israel and abroad — to push for an agreement that brings the hostages home. His message was clear: releasing the hostages is not only a moral imperative but also essential to repairing the psyche of a nation still in shock.