Over 200 participate across four unique gatherings addressing trauma, resilience, and urgent psychological needs in Israel and the UK, following the October 7^th attacks and continuing war

In response to the deepening mental health crisis following the October 7th attacks and the continuing conflict in Israel, Hadassah UK hosted a compelling series of hybrid events across London last month, welcoming more than 200 attendees in collaboration with Jami, part of Jewish Care, Mizrahi Tefahot Bank UK, and the Hadassah UK Trustees.

Despite being unable to travel due to the ongoing situation in Israel, Dr. Shiri Ben-David, Chief Psychologist at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, joined each event virtually, bringing her frontline insights and warm presence to every room. Her powerful commentary was so impactful that many attendees remarked it felt as though she was there in person.

The impactful events included:

• A Business Breakfast with Mizrahi Tefahot UK, bringing together professionals to explore how trauma impacts leadership, workplace culture, and productivity.
• A Community Evening at Kinloss in partnership with Jami, part of Jewish Care, attended by over 80 people, where Dr. Shiri Ben-David and NHS GP Dr. Ellie Cannon shared mental health insights and survey findings.
• A Health & Social Care Professionals’ Seminar together with Jami, part of Jewish Care, with over 40 practitioners discussing clinical strategies and community needs, chaired by consultant psychologist Dr. Stuart Linke.
• A Trustee-hosted Women’s Lunch, featuring Dr. Shiri and Dr. Ellie Cannon, focused on women’s leadership in trauma recovery and community strength.

At the heart of Dr. Ben-David’s message was the urgent call for global Jewish solidarity to address the growing mental health emergency in Israel, where over 1 million Israelis are expected to require psychological care. She stressed the critical shortage of trauma psychologists and the urgent need for funding new training and capacity at Hadassah Hospital

Her presentations also highlighted findings from the national UK Jewish community mental health survey, conducted earlier this year by Hadassah UK, with support from Jami, part of Jewish Care and endorsed by the Chief Rabbi, Board of Deputies, United Synagogue, Progressive Judaism, Maccabi GB, and others. Completed by over 500 individuals, the survey revealed higher-than-anticipated levels of anxiety and emotional distress.

Philippa Carr, Senior Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention Manager at Jami, part of Jewish Care, commented “The survey results showed how the mental health needs of the community have been deeply affected by October 7. They are an important reminder of the need for the essential support Jami provides through our range of mental health services.”

“We are seeing unprecedented levels of trauma, both in Israel and across the diaspora,” said Dr. Ben-David. “But the antidote is connection. The UK community is standing up with courage, and that solidarity is part of our healing.”

Dr. Ellie Cannon added ‘’I am so pleased we did this event for Hadassah and Jami, which was of huge benefit to the UK Jewish community. The events of 7.10 and after in Israel has taken a huge toll on our mental health as a community and as individuals, and to recognise that and talk about it is the first step to coping with it. Dr Shiri offered practical advice for us:  to have purpose and limit our news intake so we can all feel in control, and that is a valuable lesson to learn in these terrible times. ‘’

All events were delivered in hybrid format to ensure continued participation amid the unpredictable crisis in Israel. Across every conversation, the UK Jewish community showed both resilience and readiness to respond.

To support Hadassah Hospital’s urgent mental health expansion, and to find out more, visit:
👉 https://hadassahuk.org/donate/