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The goal is not only to restore the sense of home, but also to create a space where all family members can share feelings and experiences and process their trauma together, the document said.
By Pesach Benson, TPS
For residents of northern Israel, returning to their abandoned homes on March 1 after more than a year of war is not just a logistical issue but an emotional and psychological transition, which is what prompted the government to develop a document to guide therapists and social workers.
“Since the beginning of the war, the Ministry of Social Affairs has worked to create an emotional response tailored to diverse population groups who have experienced various types of trauma,” said Etti Kissos, Deputy Director of Social Services at the Ministry of Social Affairs.
“Tens of thousands of northern residents who were evacuated from one of their homes experienced trauma that touches on the sensitive areas of existential security and the experience of refugees. The Trauma Coalition has been a key partner of the Ministry in treating the population since the beginning of the war, and they accompany the social workers who also need emotional processing and strengthening of skills in dealing with mass trauma events.”
The Israel Trauma Coalition supports Israelis affected by terrorism, offering counseling and resilience programs.
The scale and duration of this evacuation are unprecedented in Israeli society. Social workers will use various questionnaires to assess the well-being of individuals and families.
These assessments will help determine whether additional emotional or psychological support is needed, evaluate family resources and capabilities, and explore the personal significance of returning home.
The document also details best practices for guiding families through this process.
But many families are hesitating to rebuild, not convinced that the threat of Hezbollah has been eliminated.
The document recommends a gradual and structured process combining physical and mental coping. For example, it suggests that parents make an initial visit alone to the house, during which they can check what needs to be arranged, cleaned, or renovated.
Later, additional visits will include joint activities such as cooking or tidying, and family planning on how to improve the home – planting a new plant, painting, or having a shared meal.
The goal is not only to restore the sense of home, but also to create a space where all family members can share feelings and experiences and process their trauma together, the document said.
Renewal is also a central theme, as returning residents are encouraged to introduce small changes in their homes, such as planting a new plant or organizing a family meal, to symbolize a fresh start.
The document also highlights the impact of multiple losses, as war, evacuation, and ongoing threats have led to disruptions in security, home life, routine, livelihood, and social support systems.
The prolonged state of survival during the war has left little time for emotional reflection, leading to disorientation and difficulties in decision-making.
The document comes on the heels of a recent State Comptroller report which estimated that three million Israelis are suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression and anxiety as a result of the war.
The report highlighted systemic failures in providing psychological support to survivors, evacuees and first responders.
Eiyar Segal, a clinical social worker specializing in trauma, emergency situations, and resilience training, told The Press Service of Israel that strong social connections and a sense of purpose are key factors in helping individuals recover from emergency trauma.
“People who actively engage with their communities, whether by volunteering, joining support groups, or maintaining close relationships, tend to cope better,” she told TPS-IL.
Segal also stressed the importance of structured routines and physical activity to help restore a sense of normalcy and control.
After the war with Hamas broke out on October 7, 2023, more than 70,000 residents of the Israeli north were evacuated from their homes as Hezbollah began launching daily barrages of rockets and drones.
Under the terms of a two-month ceasefire that went into effect on November 27 and has since been extended, Hezbollah is supposed to withdraw its armed presence from areas of southern Lebanon south of the Litani River.
Israeli forces have withdrawn from most of southern Lebanon. Dissatisfied with the Lebanese army’s deployment, Israel is keeping soldiers in five locations with US approval.
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