April 18, 2024

ITC update: Operation Iron Swords

This update will take a break until after the holiday period.
ITC wishes you all a happy and healthy Pesach, with our prayers for a speedy recovery for the wounded, those still held hostage and their families.
Day 195
Thursday 18.4.24

Attack from Iran 99% of the 300+ projectiles fired by Iran at Israel Saturday-Sunday night were intercepted by air defenses. Iran launched approximately 185 drones, 36 cruise missiles and 110 surface-to-surface missiles as part of the unprecedented attack on Israel. The U.S, Britain and Jordan helped Israel intercept the launches. Home Front Command announced at midnight Sunday, that all educational activities across Israel can resume as normal.

A 7-year-old girl from a Southern Bedouin community, sustained head injury when shrapnel from an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile fell directly on her bed. She remains in critical condition. Monday, a team from the ITC Bedouin Resilience Center, provided support and trauma intervention with the family. The intervention was provided in groups specifically geared for children, women, and fathers according to circles of vulnerability. The Negev’s unrecognized Bedouin villages largely lack rocket shelters and the reality of this lack of protection was painfully evident. Some members of the community are only now returning from sleeping in caves in the area where they felt some level of protection.

These are understandably tense times as Israel considers a response to the Iranian attack.
The body of a 14-year-old Jewish shepherd from Judea and Samaria was found on Saturday, a day after he went missing.

Hamas has rejected the recent proposal for a hostage deal.

Northern Front:
Fourteen soldiers and four civilians were wounded as an explosive drone fired from Lebanon struck a community center in the northern border town of Arab al-Aramshe on Wednesday

In addition, four soldiers were wounded, one of them seriously, in a blast that occurred as troops operated inside Lebanese territory. Tuesday, Hezbollah launched two attack drones at northern Israel near the community of Beit Hillel., three people were lightly hurt in the Hezbollah drone attack.

ITC on the Ground

Sheba Hospital, resilience trustees

“The ability to share the experiences of the war is very important, there is enormous pressure on us” It’s evident that the Hospital Resilience Program initiated in February 2022 has been crucial in addressing the challenges faced by medical teams during Operation Iron Swords. The program’s focus on establishing resilience teams and training participants as resilience trustees has provided a proactive approach to supporting hospital staff, particularly in preventing

secondary traumatization, burnout, and distress. As the needs of the eight participating hospitals (Carmel, Meir, Kaplan, Barzilai, Sheba, Ichilov, Wolfson and Soroka) evolved during the war, with medical staff transitioning to emergency footing and facing increased complexities, the importance of the resilience program became even more pronounced. The heightened exposure to traumatic experiences underscores the necessity of equipping medical teams with the tools and skills to navigate such challenging circumstances.

In the coming months, it’s imperative to continue prioritizing resilience workshops and further professional development opportunities for hospital staff. These workshops will be tailored to address the specific needs that have arisen during the war, including strategies for managing trauma, anxiety, and related disorders in both patients and medical personnel. Additionally, ongoing support and resources should be provided to ensure the sustainability of resilience efforts beyond the immediate context of the war.

Bright Spot

HaZamir: The International Jewish Youth Choir performs at Carnegie Hall in New York City, April 7, 2024

(photo: Happyhah Studio)

Despite the challenges HaZamir: The International Jewish Teen Choir persisted in their annual gala concert, showcasing a selection of music that traversed emotions ranging from grief to joy, symbolizing defiance, and resilience. The festival, was a beacon of unity and celebration, drawing hundreds of young talents to perform at prestigious venues in New York City.

Founder and director Matthew Lazar underscored the importance of celebrating their Jewish heritage, especially in times of adversity. Each musical selection was accompanied by heartfelt reflections from the teens, connecting their experiences since October 7 to the chosen pieces. For many, HaZamir has become more than just a musical outlet; in the face of adversity, the movement prioritized emotional recovery, fostering a sense of community where listening and supporting one another became paramount.

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