Etgar Keret: The creative fight against the mental crisis in Israel

Etgar Keret: The creative fight against the mental crisis in Israel

The Israeli writer Etgar Keret shows perplexed about the political plans of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, especially in the context of the continuing conflict in Israel. In a particularly memorable event, in which he appears together with a Belarusian-Israeli rapper, Keret wants to draw attention to the psychosocial problems of society. Bookstores in Israel have suffered from a drastic decline to customers since the beginning of the war "Iron Serb", which reflects the oppressive mood in the country. According to Keret, the question of the mental health of those present is also a provocative topic: With a question of whether someone in the audience has no relation to post -traumatic stress disorders (PTBS), not only the fate of the individual is addressed, but also the collective trauma experience of society. The result is sobering - only a few hands go up, which makes it clear how widespread the consequences of war and violence are. The rapper, heavy and rich in tattoos, is on stage as a striking figure.

The current situation in Israel is not only shaped by political tensions, but also by a deep psychosocial crisis. A report by Israel's auditor Matanyahu Engelman explains that an estimated three million Israelis suffer from the symptoms of PTSD, depression or anxiety. Surprisingly, only 1% of those affected actually receive psychological help. Despite the large number of urgently needed treatments, the Ministry of Health was unable to meet inquiries about psychological support. Waiting times for psychiatric treatments can be up to six months, and many do not even know that they are entitled to help. These circumstances met particularly voluntary helpers from the emergency organization Zaka and survivors of the Nova-Party tragedy.

The effects of the conflict on mental health

The attack by the terrorist organization Hamas on October 7 has severely affected the mental health of the population in the country. Many Israelis have personal connections to the victims of terrorist situations, which further increases psychosocial stress. The Natal organization's crisis phone now recorded an average of 1,200 calls a day. Health service providers such as Clalit Health Service try to adapt to the extraordinary requirements of the situation by building call centers and specialized mental health centers. Ran Balicer emphasizes that the current crisis is exceptional due to its intensity and long -term effects on society - far beyond the consequences of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Despite all efforts, psychiatric care in Israel remains behind the expectations. The distribution of psychiatric services often leads to gaps in supply, and solutions are lacking in order to adequately meet the needs of the people affected. Engelman criticizes that the current psychiatric supply system collapsed during the intensive combat acts and that the lack of treatment could further exacerbate the symptoms of those affected. In view of this alarming situation, Engelman demands both comprehensive and long -term solutions that also take into account the necessary financial resources.

For further details and information about the psychological health resources in Israel you can read the following articles: Süddeutsche , Ärzteblatt .