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Healthcare Benefits for October 7 Survivors

Entitlements
Bella Ben Gershon, Head of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Mental Trauma, Mental Health Division, Ministry of Health;  Nofar Cain, Deputy Head of Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Mental Trauma, Mental Health Division, Ministry of Health
27 October 2025

The events of October 7 left a lasting impact on Israeli society, especially on residents near Gaza, festival attendees, and the families of those who were taken hostage and killed, as well as anyone directly affected that day.

It's important to understand that most people can handle traumatic events with support from those around them. However, if symptoms continue or worsen, it's a good idea to seek professional help.

Common reactions to trauma include trouble sleeping, unwanted thoughts, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of disconnect. These are normal responses to an unusual situation, and there's no shame in asking for help.

In Israel, there are various mental health support services available, many of which are free or require little involvement:

  • HMO call centers
  • Community mental health clinics
  • Trauma centers set up after the events
  • Resilience centers in conflict areas
  • Helplines like ERAN (1201) and NATAL (1-800-363-363)

Victims of violence and grieving families have specific rights through the National Insurance Institute and the Ministry of Defense, including compensation, mental health treatment, and rehabilitation support.

Most importantly, remember that recovery takes time and happens at an individual pace, and every small step is important on the road to healing.

 

The events of October 7 profoundly shook Israeli society. The severe harm inflicted on helpless civilians, including small children and young soldiers, along with the murder, kidnapping, and immense loss, changed our lives beyond recognition. In addition to the deep scar etched in all our hearts, there are those who experienced the horrors firsthand—residents of the Gaza Envelope and surrounding areas, participants in various festivals that took place that day, family members of the kidnapped and murdered, and anyone directly affected by that tragic day.

It is important to remember that most people, even when faced with difficult and traumatic events, do not necessarily develop post-traumatic symptoms. Many can cope and process these experiences with help and support from friends, family, and the community. Support networks play a crucial role in recovery and can even foster personal growth. However, in cases where emotional symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts, images, and sleep difficulties, persist or worsen after a few weeks, there are many avenues for professional help and guidance.

Any feelings you experience are valid, and every coping pace is acceptable—it is normal behavior in an abnormal situation. Each person has their own way of coping and recovering. This page includes information about the support and assistance options available through public mental health services.

The effects of traumatic events

The effects of a traumatic event can manifest in various ways, with each person responding differently. Sometimes the effects appear immediately, while at other times they develop over time. The response to a traumatic experience is individual and unpredictable. Often, these effects resolve on their own, but in some cases, professional help is needed to address lingering issues.

Common immediate reactions can include:

  • Difficulty sleeping and experiencing night terrors.
  • Recurrent thoughts about the event.
  • Increased anxiety.
  • Difficulty concentrating.
  • Feelings of disconnection.
  • Mood swings.
  • Physical reactions, such as rapid heart rate or shortness of breath.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In some instances, reactions to trauma can develop into a lasting condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Possible symptoms, which can be both physical and psychological, include:

  • Recurrent thoughts about the event.
  • Reliving the event through dreams, flashbacks, and memories.
  • Difficulty sleeping and concentrating.
  • Feelings of guilt and shame.
  • Low mood and difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
  • A tendency to avoid stimuli associated with the event.

These responses are natural and do not indicate weakness; there is no shame in seeking appropriate help. It is important to recognize your unique symptoms, pursue a professional diagnosis, and obtain the necessary support.

 

Trauma centers

Following the events of October 7, 16 trauma-focused intervention and coping centers were established across the country, operated by community mental health centers.

The response includes:

  • Professional and trauma-focused clinics
  • Acute trauma treatment
  • Family and individual support
  • Support for children and youth
  • Evacuee clinics
  • Professional training

How to receive the treatment

  • Contact the HMO call center to schedule treatment.
  • A financial commitment form (Form 17) must be issued at the patient's main clinic for the required treatments.
  • Each insured person in the HMO is entitled to 24 treatments per year (the quota can be increased as needed).
  • The helplines can be contacted by phone if necessary.

In addition to trauma centers, you can contact various help centers or seek treatment at one of the resilience centers or mental health treatment services.

Recognition and benefits of victims of hostilities and bereaved families

Recognition as victims of hostilities

The National Insurance Institute is responsible for recognizing the harm caused by hostilities to citizens and for granting benefits and benefits.

To request recognition as a victim of hostilities, you must complete and submit a form for notification of harm caused by hostilities and a claim for recognition as a victim of hostilities.

Additional information on compensation and benefits for victims of hostilities, and how to file a claim, is available on the National Insurance website.

Financial and employment assistance

  • National Insurance: Provides benefits and rehabilitation services. To receive assistance, you must submit an application to the National Insurance. To receive rehabilitation services, you must first check your eligibility with the rehabilitation social worker who is treating you. If you are eligible, a personalized rehabilitation plan will be tailored for you.
  • Local authorities: Provide discounts and benefits. You must contact the local authority to find out what you are entitled to, for example a property tax discount.

The Ministry of Defense is responsible for the care of injured and disabled IDF and security forces personnel, and of prisoners of war who are soldiers.

For more information, please visit the Rehabilitation Division website

Main entitlements for bereaved families
  • Monthly benefits: For bereaved parents, widows/widowers, and orphans (up to age 21 or until completion of academic studies).
  • One-time grants: Commemoration grant, funeral and memorial expenses, marriage grant for orphans, bar/bat mitzvah grant.
  • Housing assistance: Loans for purchasing or renovating an apartment, rent assistance, help with relocation.
  • Tax and discount benefits: Income tax exemption (based on eligibility), municipal tax discount, exemption from TV and radio fees, public transportation discounts.
  • Healthcare-related entitlements: Unlimited mental health treatments (as needed), annual recuperation subsidy, dental care, reimbursement of special medical expenses.
  • Rehabilitation and employment assistance: Career counseling and support, help with studies and vocational training, assistance in starting or advancing a business.
  • Additional support: Social and personal support, dedicated support groups, participation in memorial and commemoration events.

How to apply:

  • Bereaved families of hostilities victims: Contact the nearest National Insurance Institute branch or the Families Department at the Hostilities Victims Division directly at 02-6463400.
  • Families of fallen IDF soldiers: Contact the Families and Commemoration Division at the Ministry of Defense at 03-7776700.

Every bereaved family receives personal support from a social worker to help claim their entitlements and provide emotional support.

Financial and employment assistance

  • National Insurance Institute: Provides benefits and rehabilitation services. To receive assistance, you must apply to the National Insurance Institute. To access rehabilitation services, consult with your rehabilitation social worker. If eligible, a personalized rehabilitation plan will be created.
  • Local authorities: Provide discounts and benefits. Contact your local authority to check eligibility, for example, for municipal tax discounts.

Daily coping

Alongside professional treatment, there are several things you can do to make your daily life easier. Recovery is a gradual process, and every small step along the way is significant. Even on the most difficult days, simple actions can help create a sense of stability and control.

Here are some suggestions that may help:

  • Take your time, at your own pace.
  • Try to maintain a routine, even if it's just small steps.
  • Allow yourself to feel and express all the overwhelming
  • emotions.
  • Stay in touch with loved ones, such as family and friends, or those who have gone through similar
  • experiences.
  • Limit your exposure to the news and social
  • media.
  • Remember that asking for help is not a weakness; it is a powerful step
  • toward self-care.

Words cannot fully capture the depth of the experiences of those who went through the events of October 7. The pain, fear, and confusion are all natural responses to such profound trauma. It is important to remember that alongside the darkness, there is also light. Thousands of professionals are ready to lend a hand, offering support and guidance on your path back to life.

Even if it is difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel right now, it does exist. Many people who have faced severe trauma have found their way back to a full and meaningful life, each at their own pace and in their own way. Everyone has a unique path to recovery, and there is no single right way. Step by step, you can find your way back to life.

 

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