'Ecology of healing': Israel's October 7 trauma victims say the system is failing them

A conference in Tel Aviv on Sunday, organized by 121 Engine for Social Change, highlighted systemic failures in Israel's support for victims of hostile acts, particularly those affected by the October 7 trauma. Survivors, mental-health experts, and political representatives argued that the current system prioritizes disability assessment over comprehensive rehabilitation. Interim survey findings from 145 victims revealed that only 27% had returned to their previous scope of employment, and nearly two-thirds reported financial deterioration. Many victims, like Roni Katz, whose son survived the Supernova festival, have lost income due to caregiving responsibilities without state support. Ron Segev, another Nova survivor, stated, "Instead of a system that focuses on disability percentages, I need a personal rehabilitation track." Critics, including MK Michal Woldiger, called for a shift in medical committee focus from assessing injury severity to determining individual rehabilitation needs. Experts also emphasized the need for an "ecology of healing" that supports individuals within their families and communities, rather than solely focusing on individual treatment, especially given the widespread mental health challenges reported post-October 7.