What it is about
The Dutch Embassy in Israel marked the anniversary of the October 7 tragedy by hosting an event that brought together international ambassadors and diplomats. The focus of the event was on providing essential psychological support for survivors from communities near the Gaza border.
Why it matters
Israel continues to build strong international support around the challenges its citizens face, particularly those affected by violent incidents from surrounding regions. By inviting diverse international leaders and experts, Israel ensures an ongoing dialogue on mental health support, highlighting its resilience and commitment to recovery.
Commitment to Support and Research
The embassy welcomed leaders from SafeHeart, an organization formed in response to the October 7 attacks, demonstrating Israel’s proactive approach to mental health. Comprised of volunteer therapists, SafeHeart emphasizes creating safe spaces and providing mental support to massacre survivors.
Highlighting Israeli Contributions
Prof. Roi Salomon from the University of Haifa, a co-founder of SafeHeart, presented pioneering research underscoring the significant relationship between trauma and interpersonal connections, drawing global appreciation for Israeli research contributions in this crucial area.
International Collaboration
The event also featured a virtual address by Dutch trauma expert, Prof. Eric Vermetten. His participation underscores the international prestige and global relevance of Israeli trauma research. Attendees included ambassadors and representatives from countries like Spain, Austria, Cyprus, and Norway, showing robust international engagement with Israel.
Statements of Solidarity
Dutch Ambassador to Israel, Marriet Schuurman, praised organizations like SafeHeart for their instrumental role in supporting victims. She acknowledged the resilience seen within the Israeli community and the collaboration with Dutch research initiatives, emphasizing the universal resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity.
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This story was first published on jpost.com.