Dear Friends,

This month, as we gather around the festive holiday lig hts, we have much 
to reflect upon and reasons to be hopeful.   For NATAL, Hanukkah represents hope and reminds us that light continues, even when it seems that darkness is around. 

As you light the Menorah,  take a moment to reflect on your  impact on the lives of the victims treated by NATAL this  year.  For them, this light shines brightest on Hanukkah as they feel hopeful to live again. 

Wishing for peace and light for all of us in Israel and abroad. 

On behalf of all of us at NATAL, Chag Sameach to you and your families!

Judith and Orly
Chag Sameach! 
Thank you for your support. 
"WINGS OF STRENGTH" 
An Interview with Irit Kaplan

 "For me, birds have always been a symbol of the human soul and I have used them as an ongoing spiritual motif throughout my life. NATAL's purpose and mission is to take care of the soul, so I create pairs of birds to benefit NATAL."

Incredible things happen when artistic expression and generosity of heart meet. Meet Irit Kaplan, the artist and expert ceramist who for years has been supporting NATAL through her dedicated art. Working from a studio based in her Herzylia home, Irit creates unique pairs of ceramic birds from which all proceeds go in support of NATAL. As a symbol of the human spirit, and a representation of NATAL's work, these birds can be found at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem, and the Eretz Israel Museum in Ramat Aviv, along with being sold and available internationally.

 This week, NATAL took the opportunity to sit down with Irit and talk about her connection to NATAL, her deep commitment to bettering society through art, and the making of her bird "Hanukiot!"

For more information on Irit and her work, visit her website.
   
 
PROVIDING SUPPORT AMIDST TERROR,  CREATING RESILIENCY 

A new wave of violence has swept across Israel, causing widespread anxiety and upheaval.    The random nature of these attacks is causing nationwide fear and reawakened trauma in Israel's citizens, Jews and Arabs alike.  

Over the past few months, NATAL has been operating in "emergency mode" in order to accommodate the demand for emotional and psychological support. Below are a few examples of how NATAL helps:

NATAL's Helpline operates with additional volunteers and staff to meet the growing needs. Callers often share their fears of leaving their homes, anxiety walking down the street and suspicious feelings towards every person they see.  

NATAL's Clinical Unit , already serving 450 patients weekly,  is now absorbing new patients and provided immediate emotional support and help at the scenes of terror attacks, with particular emphasis on Jerusalem and its surrounding area.   

NATAL's Community Outreach Unit is on the ground working with first responders, community leaders and teachers providing dozens of resiliency and stress relief workshops. 

Safe Place - NATAL's Interactive Portal Online has been visited by over 3,000 adults and children, seeking tools and training for resiliency and empowerment. 

 Many individuals have already been referred to NATAL's Clinical Unit via the Helpline  for treatment of extreme anxiety and stress.
   
 
RUNNING IN COLOR

"The colors are bright to bring happiness and hope. The day after the war, people forget.  This is the most important time for us to support these people. 
For them, war just started."  - Orly Gal

Thank you to all who came out to support NATAL 2015 Running in Color Event. Our most successful run to date, more than 3,000 runners, their families and friends  joined together to raise awareness and support victims of trauma for an event in Hayarkon Park that connected body and soul. Runners were sprinkled with colored powder along the race route, symbolizing the transparency of emotional trauma and bringing light and hope to those who suffer.

Stay tuned for updates about the 2016 Running in Color - We hope to see you there!


NATAL SPOTLIGHT: MEET OUR  INTERNS!



"Interning at NATAL has enhanced my study abroad experience, by allowing me to contribute to Israeli society in a meaningful way." - Bri

Shalom! Our names are Leora, Sam, and Bri and we are the Fall 2015 interns for NATAL.  Despite our different backgrounds, we all feel very strongly about the work NATAL does and wanted to leave a positive impact on those suffering from trauma in Israel. Recently, our focus has been on preparing for Running in Color through fundraising efforts and raising awareness. After much anticipation, it was exciting to see the tangible results of everyone's time and efforts on the day of the run.  Watching each runner go by only strengthened the meaning of the event and showed us the power of community in Israel.

" I could feel the excitement in the air at Running in Color - everyone - both the volunteers and staff were so enthusiastic and filled with such energy. Since the organization focuses on trauma, and normally has a very serious tone, it is uplifting to see people gathering for a happy occasion." - Leora
Your support helps us create a more resilient Israel.  
Lighten the lives and give strength to Israelis in need this holiday. 

Thanks to the generosity of NATAL Founder and Chairperson, 
Judith Yovel Recanati, who covers all operating expenses, 
 100% of donations go directly to patient care. 
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