Jun 10, 2025

Processing Trauma and Paperwork: Helping Israelis Receive Government Assistance

“People who have experienced trauma must also deal with bureaucracy,” said Aya, a program manager at one of 30 Federation-supported benefit centers throughout Israel, created to help guide Israelis through the government requirements necessary to receive the aid following a terrorist attack. When rockets struck Rabiea's home in Majd Al-Krum, injuring his daughter and setting his house aflame, he was shocked and overwhelmed. Soon enough, his village hotline connected him to Aya at the benefit center. “My job is to be here for them, to hold them up emotionally and also help with the processes ... I am the one who closes the loop,” Aya added. Run by one of Federation's longtime partners, the program has a dedicated team of 250 coordinators and volunteers, and have helped Israelis file more than 44,000 applications, directing more than $11.5 million in state funding to vulnerable Israelis who need it most.