The impact of the events of October 7, 2023, and the prolonged war on the mental health of Israelis is far-reaching. The need for extensive trauma treatment in Israel has never been more relevant and urgent. ERAN, Israel’s largest organization dedicated to providing emotional and mental health support, has received close to 644,000 distress calls since October 7th, a dreadful and unprecedented record. This upward trend is unfortunately due to continue in upcoming years. A study published in Israel in October 2025 found that the economic burden of untreated PTSD on Israel could reach around NIS 500 billion ($156 billion) over the next five years.
The Jerusalem Foundation, in partnership with the Shaare Zedek Medical Center, has established a pioneering Resilience Center in Jerusalem that offers ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for individuals with severe PTSD who have not responded to traditional psychological or psychiatric treatments. This innovative approach integrates ketamine as a therapeutic aid within a comprehensive psychotherapeutic framework—not as a standalone medication. The entire treatment process is overseen by professional experts, and accompanied by research and regulation advancement.
Support enables treatment, research and policymaking regarding substance-assisted therapy, and will help people regain functionality, reintegrate into the workforce, rebuild meaningful relationships and reclaim a sense of purpose and dignity, despite their harrowing experiences.
