First Line Med (FLM) is a nonprofit offering crucial physical and mental health support to victims of the October 7 tragedy, their families, and returned hostages. Sadly, they’ve had to pause services for secondary victims due to a lack of funding, as reported by KAN News.
FLM was created on October 7 to help those impacted by the massacre, relying mainly on government funding through Israel’s National Insurance Institute and the Defense Ministry. This financial support is intended for direct victims and their immediate family members.
Due to budget constraints, though, those identified as secondary victims can no longer receive government-funded therapy. FLM has now reached out to the public for help to keep supporting the family members of victims.
In February, a report from State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman highlighted serious issues in Israel’s mental health system, particularly in the wake of the October 7 events. The report stated that the mental health system was ill-prepared to deliver necessary treatments and could not ensure ongoing care.
Englman emphasized that the system was already struggling before the attacks and faced complete breakdown just days into the conflict. He had alerted the Prime Minister about these flaws shortly after the outbreak of war, pointing out that many problems remain unresolved.
Additionally, the report criticized the Health Ministry for failing to update its emergency mental health plans. Many survivors were not contacted to offer psychological help, and in the six months after the tragedy, over half of those who attended the Supernova festival had not received any mental health treatment.
The report also examined the situation for ZAKA first responders. It found that a mere 13% of its volunteers received mental health care from organizations or national resilience centers. This lack of support is especially concerning, given that these volunteers face traumatic situations regularly, increasing their risk of PTSD.
Englman’s report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for better mental health resources in Israel, particularly for those affected by traumatic events like October 7.
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Source linkMental Health,The October 7 Massacre,Gaza hostages,Nova music festival
