Sep 17, 2025

Federation-Supported Or Rishon Mental Health Training “Works Miracles”

“It works miracles,” said Ashkelon’s Chief of Security, Adir Shay, of Federation-supported Or Rishon mental health training for Israeli public servants. Fifty-five percent of Israel’s population have reported feeling impacted by trauma. The Or Rishon program has equipped hundreds of responders in six Israeli cities to detect mental health challenges and administer “psychological first aid.” Shay’s security officers are often the first people to arrive at the scene of an incident. Surveys have shown that the majority of individuals in need of help don’t admit it, thus a critical first step is determining those who need it most. “At the training,” Shay noted, “we received practical tools to connect with ourselves as events unfold, to identify what others are going through and to detect the first signs of post trauma.” With these newly acquired tools, public servants like Shay can direct those in need to adequate support. Through vital programs such as Or Rishon, Federation is working to alleviate Israel’s extensive mental health crisis.