NATAL Israel

NATAL - Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center (established: 1998, Tel Aviv) is an apolitical non-profit organization. NATAL specializes in the field of war-and-terror-related trauma, PTSD and resiliency-building among civil society. NATAL was the first center in Israel to standardize and create protocols for coping with trauma and resilience-building in a social general society context.[1] During twenty years of work NATAL has supported over 280,000 Israeli people coping with trauma.

NATAL's co-founders are the late Dr. Yossi Hadar and Judith Yovel Recanati, who serves as NATAL's chair. Benny Gantz is the chair of NATAL public advisory.

  • In 2013 NATAL was the recipient of the ISTSS – International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Public Advocacy Award for outstanding and fundamental contributions to advancing social understanding of Trauma.
  • NATAL is a full member of the Child Helpline International (CHI), the global network of child helplines working to protect the rights of the child.
  • In 2008, Israeli president Shimon Peres awarded NATAL with the Presidential Volunteer Medal.
  • NATAL is a founding member of the Israeli Trauma Coalition (ITC)

Background - Nation building and coping with trauma in Israeli Reality

The establishment of the state of Israel following the Holocaust and while an armed struggle with Arab states had a key influence on the local approach to tackling trauma.[2]

Israel is often described as a lab for research of psychological stress. During decades of conflict war and lethal terror have become integral part of the life of Israeli civil society. While the 1973 Yom Kippur war served as the formative event that reformed professional approach towards trauma among soldiers, the second intifada in the early 2000s changed the approach towards trauma effect, treatment and resilience among the civil society.[3]

The Yom Kippur War, which broke out in 1973, introduced trauma to Israeli public discourse. It induced a systematic change in the way trauma was acknowledged and tackled in Israeli society. The war still serves as a formative event in Israeli collective memory. It bares far-reaching ramifications over Israeli politics, economy, defense and intelligence systems, as well as over the general society and public discourse[4] in raising issues of the total sacrifice of the individual, responsibility of the state and collective trauma.

The IDF reformed approach towards trauma and PTSD was one result of the war.[5] The integration of mental health components in the medical system, was another.[6] The long-term process initiated in 1973, acknowledging trauma among Israeli soldiers and veterans also contributed to acknowledging trauma among civilians later on in the 1990s (First Gulf War, 1991) and more so during the second Intifada (2000-2004).

NATAL's model

In its early days NATAL consisted of a helpline and clinical unit that laid the foundation for NATAL's multi-disciplinary model. NATAL addressed then mainly Yom Kippur veterans who twenty years after the war acknowledged their PTSD. Later on the model developed and extended to wider circles civil society.

Models' guidelines

The following serve as general working principles:

  • NATAL's working model, vocational trainings and programs are based on the whole person approach. NATAL's Helpline model derives from Judith Lewis Herman approach for coping with and recovering from trauma.[7]
  • Intervention during emergency and resilience building during peace times.
  • Tailor made therapy programs. To this end the model offers a wide range of therapeutic methods including EMDR, Biofeedback, CBT, Mindfulness and mindfulness meditation, clinical sessions, art therapy and more. Various combinations form individual programs for each client.
  • Removal of barriers including bureaucratic, financial and other.
  • Ethical commitment to equality taking in all patients, integrity, accessibility and to helping those who need it most and in view of how trauma hits disadvantaged communities the hardest.
  • Sharing knowledge via trainings, workshops and partnerships in Israel and overseas.

Model's components
  1. A Clinical unit provides nationwide long term dynamic therapy to any Israeli civilian traumatized by terror and war, as well as their family members and friends. A range of different therapeutic interventions focus on reducing the suffering caused by post-traumatic stress, and the impact of symptoms on various life domains. There is emphasis on continuity of care through additional NATAL units, including the Helpline and Community Outreach. Principles of intervention: the clinical unit prioritizes the creation of a safe place enabling patients to establish trust and confidence again in themselves and their abilities.
  2. NATAL's Helplineoffers both on short term and long-term intervention. A toll-free 1-800 number the NATAL model helpline operates in five languages and is free. It serves as a portal to NATAL's other units if necessary. Operated by trained volunteers it serves as a model also of volunteers operation.
  3. A Community outreach unit operates modular projects with communities, local authorities or professional communities of high risk of primary or secondary exposure to trauma. The work is either to cope with traumatic events or building resilience prior to event or as a way coping with an ongoing pressure. Target communities include families and communities under fire as well as schools, hospitals, factories, local authorities, fire fighters, police. Burnout workshops, Emotional first aid workshops.
  4. A Social-Rehabilitation Club offers wide range of occupational therapy and indoor as well as outdoor activities to those who suffer from both primary and secondary trauma. Most referrals are made via the clinical unit. The club also serves as a social network.
  5. A Psycho-historical Testimonial Center serves as part of the therapeutic process.
  6. A Multidisciplinary Center for Trauma-Focused Studies offers a one-year psychotherapy program next to a range of courses for private professionals as well as those who work in governmental, military and other state strata.
  7. A Research and evaluation unit ESM based (experience sampler methodology) the unit conducts ambulatory assessment and ecological momentary assessment. The research links macro with micro - assessing the ongoing responses of individuals during war and conflict times allowing to later monitor the development of PTSD. The unit also continuously evaluates all work and programs. It also conducts research to evaluate how ongoing war and conflict reality affect resiliency of various groups in Israeli society.
  8. Raising Awareness through public events as well as advocacy serves as a goal in itself in order to break silence and make the transparent wound of trauma visible and legitimate.
  9. Vocational trainings and international partnerships.

Resilience-building via EEM - Effective Emergency Management

During time of peace the resilience building training takes place in schools, among first responders (police, fire fighters, hospitals), local authorities, governmental bodies, private sector and community leaders. Those models also consist of an international component and workshops.

History and milestones
  • June 1998 - Dr. Yossi Hadar and Judith Yovel Recanati founded NATAL - Israel trauma and Resiliency Center.
  • July 1998 - Dr. Hadar passed away.

Following his sudden death Ms. Yovel Recanati became NATAL chairperson. During the first working phase following re organization NATAL consisted of a helpline and clinical unit that laid the foundation for NATAL's multi-disciplinary model.

Expanding work - trauma among civil society and in communities
  • In September 2000 the second Intifada broke out. During the first two-year cycle of violence NATAL enlarged scope of the Helpline's clinical unit, to meet public needs.
  • In 2002, during IDF Operation "Defensive Shield" NATAL expanded the scope of activity of the Community Outreach unit across the country.
  • In 2005, following the Israeli disengagement from Gaza NATAL programs supported families evacuated from Israeli settlements in the Gaza strip and launched a veterans' project for ex IDF soldiers serving during the first and the second Intifada.
  • In 2006 the second Lebanon War broke out and the veterans' project was subsequently extended. NATAL's Trauma Center in Tel Aviv was inaugurated in premises dedicated by the NATAL chairperson.

Vocational trainings, academic cooperation and raising awareness
  • In 2007 Together with Tel Aviv University School of medicine, NATAL launched its Multidisciplinary Center for Trauma-Focused Studies and Training. It also founded the NATAL Psycho-historical Testimonial Center.
  • In 2008, following IDF operation "Cast-Lead" NATAL extended work amongst communities in trauma. The same year Israeli president Shimon Peres awarded it the Presidential Volunteer Medal.

Partnerships overseas and public awareness in Israel
  • In 2012 after IDF operation "Pillar of Defense" NATAL launched "Running in Color" fun run to raise-awareness in Israeli society of PTSD.
  • In 2013 NATAL began working with the Wounded Warrior Project. The cooperation created a Helpline for US veterans based off NATAL's model.
  • In 2014 during "Protective Edge" IDF military operation in Gaza, a record-breaking number of callers and new patients approached NATAL.
  • In 2015 NATAL launched cooperation with Bright Star" in Chicago to help victims of gun violence. . The joint cooperation developed and created TURN - 'The Urban Resilience Network - TURN Center.
  • In 2016 NATAL's Public Advisory Committee established. Former IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. (Res.) Benny Gantz is its chair.
  • In 2018 NATAL marked 20 years. Israeli President Reuven Rubi Rivlin hosted an event in honor of NATAL.

NATAL held the "20/70 Conference about Trauma" and the 6th "Running in Color" fun run. NATAL won Ministry of Health Shield of Volunteering.

NATAL - Founders and founding history

The late Dr. Yossi Hadar and art therapist and Israeli philanthropist NATAL's Chairperson Judith Yovel Recanati established NATAL in June 1998. The 1973 Yom Kippur war affected both co-founders and paved each of their ways to dealing with trauma and post trauma. Dr. Hadar served as a medical doctor in the Golan heights during the war, treated wounded under fire and faced a near captivity experience. Judith Recanati served as a welfare officer treating families of severely wounded soldiers.

Their first encounter was in the 1980s at the Loewenstein rehabilitation hospital where Recanati worked as an art therapist with head, spine injured patients, and Dr. Hadar was her mentor. Later Recanati studied psychotherapy in Bar Ilan University, where Yossi Hadar chaired the program.

In 1997, Hadar approached Recanati offering her to join him in establishing an NGO dedicated to supporting those who coped with trauma induced by security conditions and war. It was the first NGO established with this orientation. Only 25 years after the Yom Kippur war did its ex-soldiers begin to approach therapy. During 1997, an establishment team of some ten therapists was established. Dr. Hadar passed away a few weeks after NATAL's inception, after diagnosed with cancer. Following his sudden death, a re-organization process took place and Ms. Recanati was appointed Chairperson of NATAL.

Judith Yovel Recanati, NATAL's co-founder and chair

(Hebrew: יהודית יובל רקנאטי née Recanati born: 1951, Tel Aviv) Israeli social investor and philanthropist.

  • Co-founder of the Gandyr philanthropy and business group.
  • A member of 'Committed to Give' a group of Israeli funders fostering private Israeli philanthropy.
  • A a founding executive board member of Sheatufim – the Israel Center for Civil Society.

Early life and youth

Judith Recanati is the daughter of Daniel Recanati and granddaughter of Leon Recanati who together with his partner Moshe Carasso founded (1935) Israel Discount Bank. Born and raised in Tel Aviv Judith attended HaCarmel elementary school and graduated the Hertzliya Gimnasium in Tel Aviv.

Formative years – The scouts movement

At 13 Judith joined the local Hebrew scouts movement - HaTzofim. For the next six years she was a passionate and active member, guide and the coordinator of her age group at the "Kehila" tribe in Tel Aviv. This was a formative experience with a long-lasting impact over her future decisions in life. Rooted in Israeli ethos and values, the scouts activities and education programs, touring and hiking Israel embodied the local Israeli identity formed during state-building years after the holocaust and before 1967. Another dimension was the activity being independent from her well established, dominant and Europe-oriented family. Recanati referred to the youth movement as where she realized her lasting possessions were her own actions, decisions and personality.

Serving in the IDF, Yom Kippur War

Serving as a general welfare and gender affairs officer between ages 18–20 Judith attended home visits and conducted social evaluation of soldiers from low socio-economy background. This was her first encounter with Israeli most vulnerable communities. During the Yom Kippur War she volunteered in a Tel Aviv hospital burns' department. During and after the war, due to a growing need for ground forces, women were needed in roles in the field[1]. According to Rina Bar-Tal, chair of the Israel Women's Network, roles for women beyond technical and secretarial support only started to open up in the late 1970s and early '80s, because of manpower shortages. In this view Recanati drafted again serving one more year as a medical affairs officer facilitating care for families and individuals affected by the war.

Academy and therapeutic career

Recanati read archaeology in the Tel-Aviv University. She studied photography at Hamidrasha Arts Academy and art therapy Lesly College. Graduate of Gestalt studies.

Personal life

Recanati is the mother of three daughters and grandmother of eight grandchildren. Her husband Dr. Yovel passed away. Mr. David Simcha is her spouse.

Awards and Recognition
  • 2017 - Rappaport Prize for Women Generating Change in Israeli Society, Honorary Prize for Inspiring Woman
  • 2015 - Honorary Doctorate from Ben-Gurion University
  • 2015 - The University of Haifa Business Leaders Forum Award
  • 2014 - Honorary Fellow from IDC Herzliya
  • 2013 - Honorary Doctorate from the Tel Aviv University
  • 2004 - Recognition from Tel Aviv Mayor for the outstanding volunteer for work via NATAL

Yossi Hadar, NATAL's initiator and Co Founder

(Hebrew: ד"ר יוסי הדר born: 19 May 1946 Belgium. died: July 1998, Israel) a physician, psychiatrist, author, poet and playwright.

  • Founder of the Israeli Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy.
  • Head of the Elie Wiesel Cathedral for Holocaust Studies in The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work was founded at Bar-Ilan University

Dr. Hadar was one of the first to deal with trauma and post trauma in Israeli society and focused on the trauma of the Holocaust and combat stress. Emigrated from Europe to Israel in 1947 as a toddler with his parents who were both Holocaust survivors. Dr. Hadar studied medicine in Jerusalem. During his military service as a medical doctor during Yom Kippur War Dr. Hadar exposed to combat stress and had a near captivity experience. Following which he has dedicated his career to psychiatry and trauma in particular in view of the Holocaust and combat stress. Hadar published several poetry books and novels. in addition seven of his playwrights went on stage in Israel and one in London.

References
  1. Friedman-Peleg, Keren (2014). A Nation on the Couch, The Politics of Trauma in Israel. Jerusalem: Hebrew Univristy Magnes publishers. p. 23-26. ISBN 978-965-493-741-2. ebook ISBN 978-965-493-742-9
  2. Friedman-Peleg, Keren (2014). A Nation on the Couch - The Politics of Trauma in Israel. Jerusalem: Eshkolot - Eshkol Institute, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem. p. 13. ISBN 978-965-493-741-2.
  3. Somer, Ilan and Bleich, Avi (2005) Mental Health in Terror's Shadow: The Israeli experience. Tel Aviv University: Ramot publisher. p. 9-11 ISBN 965-274-404-2
  4. Keynan, Irit (2012). Like a hidden wound - War trauma in Israeli society. Tel Aviv: Am Oved Publishers Ltd. p. 63. ISBN 978-965-13-2276-1.
  5. Keynan, Irit (2012). Like a hidden wound - War trauma in Israeli Society. Tel Aviv: Am Oved Publishers Ltd. p. 63. ISBN 978-965-13-2276-1
  6. Keynan, Irit (2012). Like a hidden Wound. Tel Aviv: Am Oved publishers Ltd. pp. 63–67. ISBN 978-965-13-2276-1
  7. Lewis Herman, Judith (1992). Trauma and Recovery. New York: Basic Books. pp. 11, 163–261. ISBN 965-13-0988-1
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