Yael Eckstein, president and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, recently spoke about the emotional toll of the attacks that Israeli people experience regularly. “Here in Israel, there is the physical destruction of war, and then there’s the mental and emotional destruction as well,” she said. Her words highlight an important issue: while bomb shelters may shield bodies, they cannot protect minds from the trauma of living under constant threat.
Yael’s message was more than a call to awareness—it was a tribute to her late father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who foresaw the need for emotional healing alongside physical protection. Before his passing, Rabbi Eckstein recognized the need for counseling and mental health services in Israel. Today, his vision lives on in the form of a Fellowship-funded facility offering emergency mental health services, group therapy, and counselor training.
Yael’s comments reflect a growing recognition of the mental health crisis faced by Israelis, particularly those exposed to repeated trauma. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to conflict can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions. Children, the elderly, and survivors of past atrocities are especially vulnerable.
Holocaust survivors, most notably, continue to carry deep psychological scars. A meta-analysis published by the American Psychological Association found that Holocaust survivors exhibit higher levels of PTSD and other psychopathological symptoms compared to the average person. Interestingly, those who live in Israel tend to show better psychological adjustment than survivors in other countries, suggesting that community support and cultural connection likely serve as important protective factors.
This trauma doesn’t just affect direct survivors. Research into generational trauma reveals that children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors often experience elevated rates of mental illness, including anxiety and depression. This phenomenon suggests that trauma can be inherited—not just through stories and behaviors, but also through health outcomes.
Even outside the context of the Holocaust, Jewish communities have faced rising levels of stress due to anti-Semitic incidents and geopolitical tensions. According to the Anti-Defamation League, anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. saw a staggering 893 percent increase over the past decade, contributing to a climate of fear and insecurity. For Jews in Israel, the threat is often more immediate—missile attacks, terrorism, and war are daily realities. Against this backdrop, The Fellowship has emerged as a vital force in addressing both the physical and emotional needs of Israelis. Under Yael’s leadership, The Fellowship has expanded its mission to include mental health support as a core component of its humanitarian aid.
Following recent escalations in violence—including over 2,000 rockets fired at Israel in a single day— The Fellowship approved $5 million in emergency aid, which included trauma counseling and psychological support for affected communities. The organization also established an Emergency Response Center in Ramle, where families could seek help locating missing loved ones and receive emotional care.
In addition to crisis response, The Fellowship is investing in long-term mental health infrastructure. The facility Yael spoke of is more than a temporary shelter— it is a refuge for the soul, offering group therapy sessions, training new counselors, and providing a safe space for survivors to heal. “This building here is a hospital that’s no less important than the hospitals that we have to treat physical wounds,” Yael said.
The Fellowship’s mental health initiatives are particularly focused on vulnerable populations: children traumatized by missile attacks, elderly Holocaust survivors, and families who have lost loved ones. The organization works closely with mental health professionals to deliver culturally sensitive care, recognizing that healing must be tailored to the unique experiences and identities of each individual.
One of the most striking aspects of The Fellowship’s approach is its emphasis on faith and community. Yael’s message is directed not only to Israelis but to Christians and Jews in America who have supported the Fellowship’s work. “You are helping to rebuild this nation of Israel with resilience and with faith,” she says. This interfaith partnership is central to The Fellowship’s mission, which seeks to unite people across religious lines.
Faith-based support can be a powerful tool in trauma recovery. Studies have shown that spiritual beliefs and communal rituals can provide meaning, comfort, and a sense of belonging to those grappling with loss and fear. By integrating emotional care with spiritual values, The Fellowship supports a holistic model of healing—one that addresses both the psychological and existential aspects of trauma.
As Israel continues to face threats from hostile groups, the need for mental health services will only continue to grow. The Fellowship is committed to expanding its reach, training more counselors, and building additional facilities to serve communities in crisis. Its work is a testament to the idea that healing is about reclaiming hope, dignity, and community.
Yael’s words serve as a reminder that the wounds of war are not always visible, and that rebuilding a nation requires healing the hearts and minds of its people. Through the living legacy of Rabbi Eckstein and the tireless efforts of The Fellowship, that healing is already well underway.
Robin Van Etten is a seasoned nonprofit professional with 25 years of experience in direct response marketing and fundraising. She is currently the US CEO and Global Chief Operating Officer at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, a nonprofit humanitarian organization serving the needs of the Jewish population around the world. In 2025, she was named a Notable Leader in Philanthropy by Crain's Chicago Business.
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