Mapping of organizations active in the field
Annex (1)
Organizations and Centers Providing Direct Mental Health Services
Tamar Foundation
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North, Central Region, Negev
Target Population: All age groups
Brief:
Established in 2009, Tamar Foundation is a nonprofit committed to empowering individuals and families facing medical and psychological crises. Its mission is to strengthen emotional resilience, mobilize volunteer support networks, and provide culturally competent, community-based care.
In response to the October 7 crisis, Tamar Foundation initiated or expanded its mental health interventions to address urgent needs within Arab communities.
They operate therapeutic centers, provide online support, and lead awareness and resilience-building initiatives tailored to the cultural and emotional needs of diverse age groups.
Enosh – The Israeli Mental Health Association
Target Audience: Adolescents, young adults, adults, families
Services: Employment, housing, hospitalization alternatives, social support, family guidance
Brief:
Enosh is Israel’s leading organization in the field of promoting mental health and well-being. It provides a comprehensive range of professional, individually tailored services in the areas of prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Services are offered to individuals experiencing temporary mental health crises, those living with ongoing psychiatric disabilities, and their family members. In addition, Enosh works to secure rights, provide knowledge, raise awareness, and promote policy change related to mental health.
The organization offers a wide array of community-based services: employment centers, rehabilitative housing, youth programs, social centers, hospitalization alternatives (like Beit Mazan), and family support services.
Services in the Arab community:
Enosh operates in the Arab community through employment and social support centers in Nazareth, Umm al-Fahm, and Nof HaGalil, with Arabic-speaking professional teams and culturally adapted services.
The organization also runs a virtual social center in Arabic that offers psychological support and remote activities. It operates the “Alonat Welfare” program for youth in difficult living conditions—60% of the participants in northern Israel are Arab.
Following the October 7 crisis, Enosh expanded its trauma response services, though it did not open new centers in Arab towns, highlighting a gap in service accessibility. Efforts to establish centers in Sakhnin and Arraba were unsuccessful due to social stigma. Nonetheless, Enosh strengthened its presence in the Arab community by opening centers in Nazareth and Umm al-Fahm and expanding employment services—particularly through the “Maof” program—with Arabic-speaking teams and culturally adapted interventions.
Ma’na Center – English Hospital
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North
Target Population: Mental health professionals, educators, volunteers, and various community groups
Brief:
Established in 2015, the Ma’na Center operates under the Nazareth Hospital EMMS, focusing on providing culturally sensitive mental health services to the Arab community. Its mission is to enhance mental well-being through psychotherapy, education, and community outreach, aiming to destigmatize mental health issues and promote holistic care.
Ma’na Center implemented a broad range of mental health activities after October 7:
● Public lectures and professional workshops
● Psychoeducation courses in Arabic
● First aid psychological training
● Therapist support circles
● War-related trauma research
● A psychoanalysis school contextualized for Arab society
They also launched a specialized seminar for professionals in the Negev and frontline staff in the medical field.
Hibuki
Areas of Activity: Nationwide – with a focus in the North, specifically in Nazareth and Maghar
Target Audience: Children aged 3–9
Services:
The name “Hibuki” refers to a therapeutic initiative developed to help children cope with trauma, especially following stressful events and disasters. The initiative was launched after the Second Lebanon War as an immediate therapeutic response and has since been applied in both local and international crises, including Ukraine, Japan, and Turkey.
The initiative uses a soft toy dog named “Hibuki” as a therapeutic tool to help children express their feelings, build psychological resilience, and deal with post-traumatic symptoms in a short-term, safe, and stigma-free way. Hibuki is both a tool and a therapeutic workshop for children, which includes a session with the child and guidance for the parents. The workshop is based on a structured therapeutic protocol using the Hibuki doll, which each child receives, along with a booklet for parents. The intervention aims to reduce anxiety and distress in children and strengthen their emotional resilience.
Following October 7, the Hibuki initiative expanded significantly in response to the urgent mental health needs of children. A new center was opened in Nazareth in January 2024, staffed by two clinical social workers. From its opening until March, the center treated approximately 300 children. An additional activity point was established in Maghar, alongside a collaborative project with the pediatric department at Rambam Hospital.
Mashabim (משאבים)
Target Audience: All age groups
Services: Emergency preparedness, community resilience enhancement, individual and group psychological therapy
Brief:
The Mashabim Association was established in 1981 and operates in the field of promoting community mental health, particularly during times of crisis and disaster.
The association develops innovative therapeutic and educational models that are used both locally and internationally, with the goal of strengthening individual and collective resilience and providing immediate, professional emotional support to the population.
The association is active in several areas, most notably:
● Emergency preparedness through training of local teams and professionals
● Enhancing community resilience by working within communities and building support networks
● Operating a professional therapeutic network, which includes individual therapy, phone support, and group therapy, delivered by teams working in four languages, including Arabic
Following the events of October 7, the association activated psychological resilience centers in both Western and Eastern Galilee, and therapeutic centers in Majdal Shams, Kafr Yasif, and other areas with Arabic-speaking teams. It also operates a phone support center that includes Arab female therapists providing immediate initial response in Arabic.
Latif
Areas of Activity: Shefa-Amr and surrounding areas
Target Audience: Ages 5 and above
Services: Psychological and/or psychiatric treatment, psychological assessments, and family support
Brief:
Latif is a multidisciplinary mental health clinic that provides services for both adults and children, in collaboration with health funds and the Ministry of Health. The clinic is staffed by a professional team of Arabic-speaking psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists. It also works in coordination with the Department of Social Services in Shefa-Amr.
Following October 7, the center experienced a rise in treatment requests, which presented a challenge due to a significant shortage of professional staff. The center provided trauma-focused psychological care for individuals directly affected in Shefa-Amr, delivered by a trained and qualified team. However, this team remains limited in number compared to the volume of people in need. Despite efforts to address urgent cases, the center still requires an expanded team of at least 15 professionals. It also faces challenges such as limited official recognition as a training site, inadequate infrastructure, and social stigma and economic hardship that prevent some families from continuing treatment.
The Psychological Services Department at the Galilee Medical Center – Nahariya
Areas of Activity: Western Galilee
Target Population: All age groups
Services: Individual and group psychotherapy, dyadic therapy, psychological evaluations
The psychological clinic at the Galilee Medical Center – Nahariya was established during the war to provide an urgent response to the growing mental health needs of the northern population—from children to the elderly. Since its founding, the clinic has evolved into a comprehensive, multi-level mental health service offering therapy, assessment, consultations, and professional training, with specialization tracks in clinical and medical psychology.
In emergencies, a rapid psychological intervention team is activated, composed of all mental health professionals in the hospital, capable of setting up psychological intervention points within minutes, in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines.
Following October 7, the clinic significantly expanded to meet the sharp rise in demand for psychological support, especially among residents directly affected in the north. It began providing flexible, intensive, and context-appropriate services—including short-term therapy sessions, emergency interventions, and specialized treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A direct support line was also launched for medical staff within the hospital, alongside therapeutic initiatives tailored to hospital employees, especially those exposed to high levels of psychological stress.
In addition, more mental health professionals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds were integrated into the team, including Arabic speakers—enhancing the clinic’s treatment capacity and its ability to provide more culturally appropriate services for Arab communities and the region’s multicultural population.
Hamaniot
Areas of Activity: Nationwide
Target Audience: Ages 4 to 35
Services: Psychosocial support for orphans, support groups, community activities, guidance and accompaniment
Brief:
Hamaniot is an association that supports children and youth who have lost one of their parents—whether due to illness, accidents, or security-related events—including those not officially recognized as "orphans" by the state.
The association provides comprehensive psychosocial support for individuals aged 4 to 35, through support groups, individual accompaniment, and community empowerment.
Hamaniot adopts a holistic approach that addresses the needs of the child, their family, and their environment. It works to build community support networks and trains those around the child to provide sensitive and supportive responses. The organization also leads awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts to secure the rights of orphaned children and promote societal acceptance.
Following the events of October 7, the association expanded its activities and response efforts, launching new support groups specifically for children who lost a parent during the war, and developed Arabic-language educational tools to meet diverse cultural needs.
Annex 2
Organizations and Centers That Launched Mental Health Initiatives in Response to Crises
Masira Fund & Foundation for Supporting Persons with Disabilities in the Arab Community
Areas of Coverage: Central Region, Galilee and North, Negev
Target Population: Persons with disabilities and their families
Brief:
Founded in 2011, Masira Fund supports the inclusion and empowerment of people with disabilities in Arab society. Its mission is to build a society where individuals with disabilities have equal access to resources, representation, and opportunity.
After the October 7 crisis, Masira launched support groups for individuals with disabilities and their families. These sessions provided a safe space for emotional dialogue, reinforced resilience, and sent a vital message: you are not alone.
Challenges faced included social isolation, lack of access to proper services, heightened anxiety, and emotional overload—especially among parents. Masira worked to bridge these gaps during the crisis through emotional support, guidance, and connection.
Jannat Adan
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Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North
Target Population: People with special needs and their families
Brief:
Established in 2010, Jannat Adan is dedicated to supporting individuals with special needs and their families through tailored programs and services. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing comprehensive care, advocacy, and community integration.
After October 7 events, Jannat Adan implemented a weekly 8-session Zoom-based support program funded by Masira Foundation. The sessions provided tools to ease fear and anxiety for families of individuals with special needs—who often experience multiplied fears due to dependency on others and heightened vulnerability during emergencies.
Niessan
Target Population: Individuals with gastrointestinal or liver conditions; families facing financial hardship or access barriers
Brief:
Established in 2012, Nisan is committed to providing holistic support to individuals with chronic illnesses, focusing on both physical health and emotional well-being. Their mission is to ensure that patients and their families receive the necessary resources, education, and psychosocial support to manage their conditions effectively.
In response to the October 7 crisis, Nisan initiated a mental and social health program to accompany patients and their families through trauma and stress. Their multi-pronged approach included a crisis hotline, creative workshops for children, and direct medical/financial aid (e.g., biological meds, dietary assistance). This holistic support reduced feelings of fear and instability, restored a sense of control, and helped improve both mental and physical health outcomes during the war.
Humanity Crew
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North, Central Region
Target Population: Teachers, students, school counselors, children, families, local professionals, and emergency responders
Brief:
Founded in 2015, Humanity Crew is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mental health and psychosocial support to communities affected by crises worldwide. Their mission is to ensure that communities affected by crises receive the critical mental health and psychosocial support they need when it matters most.
In response to the October 7 crisis, Humanity Crew trained educators, social workers, and therapists on psychological first aid, trauma response, and emotional regulation. They led group and one-on-one interventions in schools, especially in northern conflict zones. They also launched an emergency response in Majdal Shams after a missile incident, offering immediate psychological care to affected children and training local professionals for ongoing support. The goal: normalize mental health care, build local capacity, and reduce stigma.
Beit Al-Shabiba – Baqa al-Gharbiyye Community Center
Areas of Coverage: Central Region
Target Population: Diverse age groups across neighborhood committees
Brief:
Established in 2005, Beit Al-Shabiba serves as a hub for community development and youth empowerment in Baqa al-Gharbiyye. Their mission is to foster civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and social cohesion through various programs and initiatives.
The organization expanded its grassroots efforts after October 7 by establishing and strengthening local neighborhood committees. The goal was to increase community responsibility, enhance a sense of belonging, and provide a framework for emergency response. The plan was revised and scaled up during the war to meet urgent psychosocial needs at the neighborhood level.
Tamar Center
Areas of Coverage: Negev
Target Population: Students, graduates, educators, and staff at the center
Brief:
Established in 2015, Tamar Center aims to stimulate and strengthen the community spirit among Arab-Bedouin society in the Negev, creating new opportunities to ensure a promising future for all community members.
After October 7, Tamar Center focused on organizational wellness and emotional support. Through collaborations with social workers, psychologists, and facilitators, the center provided tailored psychological support to staff, teachers, students, and alumni. This helped maintain the quality of education and the mental well-being of all involved despite the heightened challenges. Tamar continues its mission by offering stable psychological support, educational continuity, and emotional empowerment to its community.
ADMA Association
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North
Target Population: Individuals facing severe physical illness, survivors, and their families
Brief:
ADMA Association, established in 2018, is dedicated to providing psychological support to individuals diagnosed with severe physical illnesses. Their mission is to offer immediate, accessible, and culturally sensitive mental health services to patients and their families, facilitating emotional resilience and coping mechanisms.
During the war, ADMA expanded its therapeutic initiative “Rifqa” – a 12-session individual therapy package designed for those recently diagnosed with serious physical illness. The program, originally funded by an innovation grant, addresses the psychological shock of diagnosis and supports healing through free, immediate care – bypassing the long wait times typical in national health systems. Backed by professional assessments, the program has demonstrated significant results and is now seeking sustained funding to continue offering its free services.
Beit Issie Shapiro
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North, Central Region
Target Population: Municipal staff, professionals working with people with disabilities, and parents of children with disabilities
Brief:
Established in 1980, Beit Issie Shapiro is Israel's leading organization in the development and provision of innovative therapies and services for children and adults with disabilities. Its mission is to pioneer Israeli innovation to improve the quality of life and ensure the full rights of people with disabilities. The organization's vision is that every person with a disability is entitled to full equal rights and to be included and active in community life.
Beit Issie Shapiro enhanced its prior psychological resilience workshops during the crisis to directly address the stress of war. Programs targeted both professional teams (e.g., social workers and municipal disability staff) and families of children with disabilities – offering them new tools to manage the mental health toll during the crisis and beyond.
Kav Mashve Association
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North, Central Region, Negev
Target Population: Graduates, participants, and youth in higher education
Brief:
Established in 2016, Kaf Mishfi Association is dedicated to empowering Arab youth through education and community engagement. Its mission is to foster leadership, resilience, and social responsibility among young individuals.
Responding to war, Kaf Mishfi launched diverse mental health initiatives:
● Zoom sessions with psychologists for alumni and participants on coping with fear during war
● Webinars for staff on handling war-related stress and workplace discrimination
● Weekly internal check-ins among the professional team, focused on resilience techniques
● Peer support sessions between managers and staff
● MBA students mentored first-year Arab students during the war to reduce anxiety
● Surveyed over 500 university students to assess mental health and shared recommendations with university leaders for better support.
Afirus
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North, Central Region
Target Population: Arab youth, adults, facilitators, and professionals
Brief:
Established in 2018, Afirus is committed to enhancing mental health awareness and media literacy within Arab communities. Its mission is to equip individuals with the tools to navigate digital content critically and maintain psychological well-being.
Afirus developed the “Al-Madmoon” initiative in response to the October 7 crisis – a mental health and media literacy program helping individuals navigate disturbing content online. Workshops empowered adults to develop emotional regulation and resilience using cognitive-behavioral frameworks. The project trains facilitators and encourages community awareness of digital trauma, misinformation, and emotional self-care in a media-saturated crisis context.
Amanina
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North
Target Population: Diverse, based on community needs (e.g., elderly in Deir al-Asad; children in Majd al-Krum and Al-Baaneh)
Brief: Established in 2014, Amanina focuses on community development and mental health support in Arab localities. Its mission is to build resilient communities through education, empowerment, and psychosocial services.
During the war, Amanina worked with five municipalities (Majd al-Krum, Al-Baaneh, Deir al-Asad, Shefa-Amr, Tamra) to train local volunteers in psychological first aid. These efforts built community-level resilience and enabled immediate local response in highly affected towns.
Childhood Center - Nazareth Nurseries Foundation
Childhood Center - Nazareth Nurseries Foundation
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North, Negev
Target Population: Families with children, preschoolers, women with disabilities, and community-based women’s groups
Brief:
Established in 1989, the Childhood Center - Nazareth Nurseries Foundation aims to promote early childhood development and support women's empowerment in Arab society. Its mission is to foster a democratic and civil society by improving early childhood care and supporting women to utilize their full capabilities.
In response to the October 7 crisis, the Childhood Center developed and distributed psychological first-aid kits for children and families. Their efforts included:
● Educational leaflets for parents
● A therapeutic storybook for children
● Activity booklets for educators
● Direct distribution of support kits in northern and southern areas
● Community meetings and training for mothers and women with disabilities
● They also activated pre-established women’s resilience groups to lead localized support activities in villages.
Intilaqah
Target Audience: Female student volunteers and active women in the association
Areas of Activity: The Galilee and the North
Brief: The Intilaqah Association was established in 2017 and aims to empower women and youth through education and community initiatives. The association seeks to foster leadership and social responsibility among its members.
Following the events of October 7, Intilaqah collaborated with the "Zamaala" initiative (a fellowship program in the field of law) to organize supportive lectures on mental health during the early days of the war. This initiative came in response to a state of uncertainty and escalating psychological stress, providing coping tools and an open space for dialogue during a time of deep emotional tension.
Brave Hearts Association
Areas of Coverage: Galilee and North, West Bank
Target Population: Children and youth with diabetes (up to age 18)
Brief:
Established in 2018, Brave Hearts Association focuses on supporting children with chronic illnesses and their families. Its mission is to provide holistic care that addresses both medical and psychosocial needs.
Brave Hearts Association has been providing continuous mental health and wellness support during war for diabetic children and their families. Their services include family guidance, awareness, emotional accompaniment, and psychoeducation, particularly focused on West Bank communities.
Resilience Center for the Bedouin Community in the South
Areas of Coverage: Negev
Target Population: School children and educators
Brief:Established in 2015, the Resilience Center is dedicated to enhancing the psychological well-being of the Bedouin community. Its mission is to provide culturally sensitive mental health services and build community resilience.
During war this Resilience Center offered therapeutic and preventive mental health services including:
● Counseling
● Community-based resilience building
● Support to local authorities
Highlighted projects include training “Resilience Ambassadors” among teachers and publishing a child-centered storybook focused on coping skills after trauma. The center operates year-round and played a critical role in supporting the Bedouin community post-crisis.
Jiwar – Community is Home
Areas of Coverage: Nationwide (Arab communities across Israel)
Target Population: All age groups with a focus on women, men, youth, and peer support circles
Brief:
Established in 2024, Jiwar aims to strengthen social ties and community resilience within Arab society. Its mission is to create safe spaces for dialogue, mutual support, and collective healing.
Launched in response to the October 7 crisis, the “My Community is My Home” initiative created a grassroots emotional support network through home-based gatherings. Led by trained “community ambassadors,” these gatherings offer safe spaces for dialogue, peer learning, and emotional support. They address common post-war stressors—fear, isolation, family tension—and aim to rebuild social trust and collective resilience from within the community itself.