'The emotional cost has been unbelievable': How three years of war have changed Israelis - study

ERAN, an Israeli emotional first aid organization, reported a record 928,911 calls for help over three years of war. Calls involving suicidal thoughts totaled 21,829. CEO David Koren noted rising distress among youth, soldiers, and the general population, with loneliness calls rising from 28% to 41% and suicidal ideation among young people nearly doubling from 2.6% to 4.4%.

ERAN (Emotional First Aid), an Israeli voluntary organization founded in 1971, has received a record 928,911 calls for help over the three years since the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023. The calls broke down to 316,514 in the first year, 320,486 in the second, and 291,911 in the third. Of these, 21,829 involved suicidal thoughts, intentions, or actions, averaging 2.35% of total calls. CEO David Koren told The Jerusalem Post that suicidal distress among young people nearly doubled from 2.6% in the first year to 4.4% in the third. Among soldiers, calls regarding violence and sexual abuse rose from 5% to 10% in the second year, settling at 8% in the third. Loneliness calls among the general population rose from 28% to 41% over the three years. Koren described the emotional cost as 'unbelievable,' noting that the population feels the war is endless, leading to reduced patience and social connection. Reserve soldiers face stress from repeated duty and lost jobs. The organization has 1,800 volunteers and 50 professional staff, with branches in Australia and North America. The Aliyah and Integration Ministry funds counselors in Russian, Amharic, Arabic, French, and Spanish. Dr. Shiri Daniels, national professional director, warned that functioning does not equal mental well-being, as distress accumulates amid ongoing uncertainty.