March 21, 2024

ITC update: Operation Iron Swords

ITC updates are now sent weekly on a Thursday.
Day 167
Thursday 21.3.24

The number of IDF soldiers killed since the start of the ground op has risen to 251.
Israel’s negotiating team, headed by Mossad chief David Barnea, landed in Doha Monday. Their mandate was approved by the War Cabinet and Security Cabinet, to provide for a 42-day ceasefire and a Palestinian security prisoner release in exchange for the release of 40 Israeli hostages.

The government approved on Sunday, during its weekly meeting, a proposal to set a national Memorial Day for the October 7 massacre. Every year on the 24th of Tishrei (the first month of the Hebrew calendar) there will be a national Memorial Day to remember the horrors of October 7 and honor those who fell.

Southern Front: According to government officials 32,000 out of the 60,000 people who were evacuated by the government from locales within a 7-kilometer radius (4.3 miles) of the border with Gaza are back in their communities. An additional 22,000 southern evacuees are living in 180 government-subsidized hotels across the country. The rest are renting homes and receiving a subsidy of approximately $1,650 per month per adult.

Approximately 60,000 people were also evacuated from the north. No deadline for their return has been set.

The Tekuma Authority, the government body leading rehabilitation efforts in the south has submitted its five-year rehabilitation plan to the government. The government has allocated a budget of approximately $5 billion for the plan, earmarked toward residential needs, public facilities, education, health, and agriculture.
A Houthi cruise missile hit an open area near Eilat on Monday, thankfully no injuries were reported, and no damage was caused.

Northern Front: Throughout Monday, Hezbollah rocket attacks continued across Israel’s northern border from Lebanon. Several launches were identified crossing from Lebanon toward Yiftach, Har Dov, and Manara. In one incident on Tuesday, two soldiers were lightly and moderately wounded from rocket fire toward Kibbutz Manara.

ITC on the Ground

Alongside its work in Israel ITC continues its commitment to our training and support efforts in the Ukraine. ITC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ukraine Ministry of Interior to provide a unique program supporting caregivers in Ukraine. 200 psychologists/social workers will undergo an intensive training program covering the provision of first emotional aid, delivering bad news and specialized training on working with bereaved families. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine over 8,000 psychologists, social workers and care providers have undergone advanced courses provided by ITC.

A therapy session at one of the ITC resilience centers. Photo courtesy of Israel Trauma Coalition

The trauma expert helping to heal Israel In a recent article Israel 21C highlighted Israel Trauma Coalition’s CEO Talia Levanon. https://www.israel21c.org/talia-levanon-the-trauma-expert-helping-to-heal-israel/ The article discusses Talia’s leadership in the Israel Trauma Coalition (ITC), and how her personal experiences, including serving in the Israeli military during the Yom Kippur War, shaped her dedication to trauma treatment

Bright spot: In an ITC special project highlighting resilience, Miriam Weinerb, an optimistic 85-year-old Holocaust survivor shines! When she’s asked how she manages to cope? Miriam replies – “Listen, I don’t know how to explain it, but every day the sun shines. It’s just not giving up on yourself, not giving up on your life – to try.” Miriam has faced immense hardship throughout her life, including the loss of her daughter and caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s. Yet, she maintains an astonishing resilience and optimism, finding strength in community engagement and personal interests, such as painting and singing (at her local Amcha branch). Miriam’s story serves as a powerful example of resilience and the ability to find strength in the face of adversity.

Thanks for all your support. We will keep you updated.