Dr. Hilla Hadas, CEO of Enosh, Israel’s leading mental health organization, discussed the country’s evolving mental health crisis during a special segment titled “Healing Israel: A Nation in Trauma” broadcast by The Jerusalem Post. “We are now the premier organization within Israel's mental health ecosystem,” Hadas stated, emphasizing Enosh’s nearly fifty years of experience. "Our strength lies in our ability to respond quickly while building sustainable, long-term solutions. We don't offer one-size-fits-all services – we meet each person with understanding, dignity, and the support they truly need."
Dr. Hadas highlighted the need to adapt services to current challenges, noting, “What was necessary 50 years ago differs from what is needed today, especially with the ongoing war and the aftermath of COVID.” With over 90 centers and 1500 providers nationwide, Enosh is experiencing a rise in trauma-related cases. Dr. Hadas explained that stigma around mental health has decreased, “Now there is much less shame, and people openly discuss mental health as a universal issue. The complexity and diversity of needs have increased."
Enosh offers a “continuum of care,” including short-term interventions and long-term community rehabilitation. “We provide different layers that can be short or long-term, depending on what's needed,” she said. Their culturally sensitive approach incorporates imported models like Australia’s headspace and R U OK? suicide prevention programs, adapted locally.
In the past two years, in response to the growing needs of Israeli youth, Enosh has launched several dedicated centers for adolescents and young adults aged 10-25. Dr. Hadas credited Jewish federations and philanthropic foundations who recognized the urgency of youth mental health and supported the development of these centers.
Written in collaboration with ENOSH