In June 2009, Judith Yovel Recanati, NATAL’s Chairperson and Orly Gal, NATAL’s Executive Director, traveled to the USA and Toronto to raise awareness and raise funds for NATAL, Israel Trauma Center for Victims of Terror and War.
 
They visited New York and Philadelphia in the USA and then Canada, Toronto, for their first trip in conjunction with the UIA Canada. The trip was facilitated by the Toronto Federation and the UIA Canada and was fruitful, warm and touching.

 

From left to right: Ted Sokolsky -President of the Federation of Greater Toronto, David Koschitzky  – Chair of the Federation of Greater Toronto, Judith Yovel Recanati, Carol Kassel – Senior Vice President  of the Federation of Greater Toronto and Orly Gal

In New York, one of the important aims of the trip was to set up a Young Leadership arm of NATAL. This will be a committee of volunteers which will facilitate a wider group of Young Leadership in New York for raising awareness about NATAL and for fundraising. We eagerly await their first event. 
 

One of the prominent meetings in Philadelphia was at the home of the Yahalomi family, who has made a decision to donate to NATAL as a family. During the meeting, their youngest son who recently celebrated a Bar Mitzvah emotionally told all those present that following his visit to Israel and his getting to know NATAL he decided to donate his bar mitzvah gifts to NATAL. Moreover, the family hopes to continue to donate to the amuta annually.

Since 2008 one of NATAL’s key missions has been to lead and broaden expertise on the subject of emotional treatment for children and young people suffering from trauma due to acts of terror and war.
This project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Federal Republic of Germany, who donated to this cause during Operation Cast Lead.
 
In NATAL’s Hotline a unique therapeutic model has been built specially for children and young people and a team of volunteers from the line have undergone special training. The process was supported by professionals specializing in the treatment of children and young people.
 
This unique treatment model that has been developed by NATAL involves treatment over the phone. Where necessary a fixed volunteer contacts the child once a week for over-the-phone therapy. This treatment can go on for months depending on the need.
 
Parents too can call the line to receive help and guidance on coping with and understanding the effects of trauma on their children. They can also refer their children to the hotline to receive treatment.
 
As part of the Hotline launch, which is initially targeted at children and young people from Sderot, the Gaza Perimeter and the South of Israel, a radio campaign will run from the end of July to the start of August on a number of Israeli radio stations.
 
Zvika Hadar, one of the most well known and loved TV personalities in Israel, volunteered to record the broadcast. Zvika, born in the South himself, was proud to support NATAL on this important mission.