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Stay connected with NATAL!
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Dear Friends,
As the new year ushers in new beginnings a
nd opportunities, we transfer back into routine with optimism.
The past 12 months have been a challenge, as we experienced a 50% rise in demand for emotional and psychological support. 
In this newsletter we share with you personal stories, triumphs and
a few moving and innovative projects. We invite you all to support NATAL's 3rd annual "Running in Color" event this November. A truly remarkable and inspiring day!
As we move forward in our mission to help those affected by trauma from terror and war, we extend our deepest thanks to you, our friends, for your steadfast support.
On behalf of ourselves and the entire team of NATAL, we wish you and your families a w
onderful Rosh Hashanah and happy holiday season.
Chag Sameach!
Judith Yovel Recanti Orly Gal
Chairperson CEO
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Calm After the Storm
By NATAL Therapist Judith Bar Hai Kovatch
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Judith Bar Hai Kovatch, a mental health professional in NATAL's Community Outreach Unit, shares her story working & living in southern Israel under continuous rocket attack.
"I have been driving along Route 232 for several years now,
the road that surrounds the Gaza Strip, and passes Sderot on the way to Kibbutz Kerem Shalom, which is itself located near the border between Israel, Egypt & the Gaza Strip.
For us, the residents of the south, "Operation Protective Edge" began a week earlier than the official date. I was asked by Kerem Shalom's resiliency center to provide the residents a stress relieving workshop. I was amazed how almost the whole Kibbutz joined the workshop.
"
A Day of Beauty and Pain - A Day in Our Lives
Photos by Judith's daughter, Yam Kovatch
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| Fire following a rocket attack |
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| Helping children breathe better |
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A Safe Place
NATAL's New Digital Portal
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As we prepare for a new school year in Israel, NATAL is excited to announce the launch of
Safe Place - NATAL's NEW Digital Educational Online Portal
for resiliency and trauma prevention.
Developed in collaboration with
CET - Israel's Center for Educational Technology
and supported by
Boeing International Inc.,
Safe Place is an educational, online platform designed to provide resiliency, prevention, and empowerment skills for students who are at high risk for developing PTSD. The website has a wealth of resources for teachers, students, educators & parents alike.
Click the video
to
watch Safe Place's short animated video on Jacobson's relaxation technique. The video is in Hebrew, but it is easy to
follow along!
CLICK HERE to read more about NATAL's NEW Digital Portal - Safe Place.
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A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Helping At-Risk Girls to Live Again
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"With the camera I can be myself. It helps me to tell my story, my way."
- Participant from Beit Apple Boarding School
This year, as our country heals from last summer's events, NATAL implemented a program focusing on resiliency and social empowerment for 25 at-risk girls at Beit Apple Boarding School in Southern Israel.
The focus of the program is healing through phototherapy.
By using phototherapy, the phrase "a picture is worth a thousand words" comes into being.
Using this technique, the girls
are
able to express their feelings, fears, frustrations and aversions, as well as their hopes and dreams. The camera provides a safe window to deeper understand the person behind the lens and another avenue on the path to healing.
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NATAL's Latest Research
Using Smartphone Technology Under Rocket Fire
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During Operation Protective Edge, NATAL conducted a comprehensive study to understand the characteristics and development of psychological reactions to war.
The first of its kind, the study evaluated the daily emotional status of civili
a
ns living under fire during active wartime. Participants took part in the study, during and after the war, by simply clicking on their smartphones.
The study was led by Professor Marc Gelkopf and his team in conjunction with the University of Haifa and with the support of the Tauber Family Foundation.
Results indicate:
- 40% of participants met criteria for at least one measure of PTSD during the war
- 11.5% of participants continue to suffer from symptoms of PTSD after the war
- Three reaction types during war were identified: resilient (72%), recovering (14.8%), and worsening (12.6%)
- Daily war events affected participants' mental health, both directly and indirectly, by the degree to which they felt threatened.
Results emphasize the need to begin intervention and prevention efforts early on during emergency situations, and the need to promote a sense of security.
Participants in the study were located in Southern and Central Israel.
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For it's 3rd consecutive year, NATAL will be hosting its annual
"
Running
in
Color" Event for PTSD!
Friday, November 13th
This wonderfully colorful and fun event connects body and mind, using colorful powder to symbolize the
transparency and internal injuries of emotional tr
auma. If you will be in Israel this November - join us! Perfect for all ages!
Organizing a group of 10 or more? Register for a 10% discount!
If you would like to volunteer, donate, or start a funding campaign, please contact
Ifat at +972-732363304 or [email protected] for more information.
SEE YOU
AT
THE
FINISH
LINE!
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THANK YOU
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank our valued donors, partners and friends for your dedicated support. Your generosity makes the important work of NATAL possible.
Start your New Year off helping Israelis to
LIVE AGAIN.
1
00% of donations go to direct service and patient care.
Thanks to Judith Yovel Recanati, NATAL's Founder & Chairperson, who covers all administrative and operating costs each year.
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