Medical Clowns in Israel Aid Children with PTSD Post-October 7 Attacks
In the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel, medical clowns have taken on a significant role in helping children cope with trauma. At the Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital in Tel Aviv, medical clowns like Shira Friedlander, known as Shorty, are part of the Dream Doctors Project. This initiative integrates clowns into medical teams to provide emotional relief and support during medical procedures. The clowns use humor and play to help children and their families navigate the stress and fear associated with hospitalization. The Dream Doctors Project, founded in 2002, employs about 100 clowns across more than 30 hospitals in Israel, where they work alongside medical staff in various departments, including operating rooms and oncology wards. 
