Supporting Families of the October 7th NOVA Party Survivors

As part of the program, we will support families through two main approaches. First, we will hold a series of workshops to equip family members with the knowledge and tools to best support survivors in their recovery, covering topics such as anger, withdrawal, addiction, and returning to routine. Second, we will establish small support groups led by experienced therapists to address the balance between caring for a family member and caring for themselves. These groups will operate both in-person and online nationwide to reach as many people in need as possible.

Project summary

Status:

new

Mentorship:

Guy Simon, Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Impact Fund investment:

NIS 150,000

Details

The “Supporting Families of the October 7th NOVA Party Survivors” initiative expands the circle of Safeheart’s activity with NOVA survivors in a way that has not yet been possible, due to lack of funds.

The Nova massacre survivors endured unimaginable trauma. Their family members, though not directly exposed to the atrocities, were indirectly affected by witnessing the events unfold through constant communication with their loved ones. Many family members were in real-time contact with the survivors via phone or video call, hearing the screams and sounds of the horrific massacre. Despite this secondary trauma, they are not currently entitled to government assistance. These family members need support for their own healing as well as to be able to fully support their loved ones.

Goals of this project:

  • To equip first-degree family members with the knowledge and tools needed to provide the necessary familial support,
    which can be a significant factor in survivors’ recovery.
  • To strengthen family members’ resilience to secondary trauma.
  • To prevent further traumatization of family members.