What's Happening?
Chantal and Marc Belzberg, co-founders of OneFamily, were honored at the Jerusalem Post Annual Conference in New York for their 25 years of work supporting victims of terror and war in Israel. OneFamily, founded
after the 2001 Sbarro bombing in Jerusalem, has become a leading support network for bereaved families and wounded individuals. The organization emphasizes long-term support and community connection for trauma victims. The Belzbergs highlighted the growing emotional toll of war in Israel, noting that trauma is a mass problem requiring collective support. They introduced a new initiative focused on children of soldiers with PTSD, aiming to create a national peer community for these children.
Why It's Important?
The recognition of the Belzbergs underscores the critical role of organizations like OneFamily in addressing the long-term impacts of trauma and bereavement. As Israel faces increasing numbers of casualties and emotional trauma from ongoing conflicts, the need for comprehensive support systems becomes more urgent. OneFamily's model of peer support and community connection provides a blueprint for addressing trauma on a large scale. The new initiative for children of soldiers with PTSD highlights the organization's commitment to addressing the invisible wounds of war, ensuring that affected families receive the support they need.
