Together We Heal
ICA'S VITAL ROLE DURING THE SWORDS OF IRON WAR
Following the horrific events of October 7th and throughout the Swords of Iron War, ICA’s team has been working around the clock to provide necessary responses in all fields.
1,500 clinicians
participated in emergency workshops.
1.5 million views
on ICA's online clinical training videos.
60 schools 1,200 educators 36,000 adolescents
Operating resilience programs to help overcome trauma and promote well-being.
1.6 million
were exposed to the national emergency campaign urging the public to exercise caution and limit substance use. #TOGETHER_WE_HEAL
Interventions
and support for survivors, individuals, and families of the Kfar Aza community.
Clinical psychotherapy
and support to survivors of the NOVA music festival.
SWORDS OF IRON WAR - THE EFFECTS ON ISRAELI SOCIETY
200,000
civilians evacuated from their homes in both northern and southern Israel.
280,000
reserve soldiers recruited to serve in the IDF. killed since the October
1,430
killed since the October 7th attacks.
13,500
wounded.
15,000
missiles launched at Israel.
Economic Implications
- The total cost of the war is estimated at more than 200 billion NIS. This includes the direct cost of fighting, evacuation, rebuilding, compensation, and more.
- Due to the war, Israel’s gross national product shrunk by 10% in the last quarter of 2023, and the annual growth for that year was close to 0%.
- The economic ramifications of the war will surely be felt in Israel for years to come.
- More than 1,500 clinicians participated in emergency workshops and training programs.
- In response to the surge in substance use, due to trauma and the ongoing war, ICA launched a national radio emergency campaign urging the public to exercise caution and limit substance use. #TOGETHER_WE_HEAL.
- Since the outbreak of the war, ICA’s clinical team has played a key role in the establishment of emergency interventions.
Mental Health Issues During the War
- One in five Israeli adults reported an increase in the use of addictive substances.
- The most common substances used are sleeping pills, sedatives, alcohol, cannabis, and painkillers.
- Close to 100,000 Israelis began using, or reverted to using, addictive substances since the October 7th attacks.
- In light of the ongoing war and the collective trauma in Israel, there is a real concern that the number of people affected by addiction will rise steeply.
ICA’S GROWTH AND ACTIVITIES
NEW AT ICA
The construction of the National Israel Center on Addiction and Mental Health in Jerusalem is underway! This unique center, in collaboration with the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical Center, and our other valuable partners, will be a beacon of innovation in the fields of research, training, and treatment. The Center’s activities are expected to commence at the beginning of 2025. This will allow ICA and our partners to advance the fields of addiction prevention and mental health in Israel.
The establishment of the first adolescent clinic, another major milestone for ICA, is also becoming a reality. This clinic will expand our prevention programs for adolescents, providing comprehensive and evidence-based addiction treatment and prevention services for Israeli youth.
