On the somber anniversary of October 7 in Israel, the report on the resilience index of residents in the Negev reveals the growing effects of the war on personal, community, and national resilience levels, as well as on feelings of safety and danger in western Negev. Approximately 60% of Negev residents suffer from moderate to high symptoms of stress (anxiety and depression). Fifty percent of residents in this region displayed moderate to high levels of post-traumatic stress. Furthermore, they believe there is insufficient support from the state for psychological treatment in communities close to Gaza, exacerbating their trauma.
The report, endorsed by the organization "New Land Now," the research and strategy cabinet "Indicate," and researchers from Tel Aviv University and Tel-Hai College, paints a troubling picture of the state of the home front in western Negev, particularly about the mental health, and highlights the condition of its residents.
"Our intention is to regularly collect data to amplify the voice of the residents of western Negev before all organizations involved in community rehabilitation and to present the effectiveness of each program implemented. This will allow us to strengthen successful programs and improve those that need to be corrected," stated Prof. Bruria Adini from Tel Aviv University.
The study involved collecting data through surveys and analyzing speeches and posts on social media. Data collection took place in August and September 2024, examining various variables that make up the resilience index, including national, community, and personal resilience, symptoms of stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, hope and morale, feelings of safety, social cohesion in the country, the educational system, livelihoods, and housing.
The report surveyed a range of populations residing in western Negev: in cities, kibbutzim, moshavim, community settlements, and Bedouin communities. Alarmingly, the report reveals that 58% of respondents were directly affected by the Hamas attack on October 7 or had a close family member impacted.
"The high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression identified necessitate the development of mechanisms to help the population cope successfully with the ongoing crisis," state the authors of the report.
"The public's trust in state authorities and the government is a crucial and central element in the recovery process for western Negev, and special resources must therefore be invested to improve it. Furthermore, as the research results indicate, improving public trust requires different actions with each community," they add.
The highest levels of distrust in the establishment were recorded among respondents from the Bedouin community in the Negev, where national and personal resilience levels were the lowest, with only 36% of residents showing high national resilience.
The report also indicates that the sense of cohesion was high at the beginning of the war but has significantly decreased as it has prolonged. The hope index was particularly low, with only 28% of residents in cities expressing great hope, compared to just 14% of residents in kibbutzim and moshavim. Furthermore, residents of the Negev feel endangered.
"Our goal in collecting data and information on resilience is to create potentials for growth, entrepreneurship, and development, thus enabling the residents of western Negev to return home. As a resident of Re'im, I understand that all rehabilitation and development efforts in western Negev must be done from the grassroots up, by and under the leadership of the residents of western Negev. To achieve this, it is essential to listen carefully to the needs of the residents, conduct analyses using advanced research tools, and implement actions on the ground," said Dudi Gabay, president of the "New Land" organization and member of the Re'im kibbutz.
The organization "New Land Now," established immediately after the attack on October 7, is at the forefront of rehabilitation efforts for communities in western Negev. The organization was founded to support the residents of the region and address the needs arising from the current crisis.
Among the ongoing projects are the establishment of a healing village in the Sa'ad kibbutz and the training of trauma therapists in partnership with "Homiyah." Additionally, systematic data collection allows for the evaluation of the effectiveness of each rehabilitation program implemented in the region.
Caroline Haïat
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