Three years of war since October 7, 2023, have taken a heavy toll on Israel and her people, especially the Holy Land’s children. The effects of the attacks and ongoing conflict continue to be felt today, with PTSD diagnoses doubling in the year following the horrific attacks and rates continuing to rise. The Times of Israel reports that a recent study found psychiatric emergency visits among children and adolescents increased by 121.3% over the past year, highlighting the growing mental health crisis.
The report highlights the need for a significant increase in professional personnel, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, alongside the development and expansion of dedicated treatment frameworks throughout the country.
The findings cover changes in health and healthcare utilization from October 2023 through September 2026, compared with the two years preceding the war, and show not only the war’s immediate impact, but also its cumulative health consequences.
Among the findings was that diagnoses of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among residents evacuated from southern Israel remain just as high in the third year as during the first year of the war.
The data revealed particularly pronounced effects among residents of northern Israel, who faced attacks from Hezbollah, and those living in southern communities near Gaza. Children who were forced to evacuate their homes were among the hardest hit. During the first year of the war, PTSD diagnoses among evacuees from southern Israel increased eighteenfold compared to prewar levels.
In the second year, diagnoses remained 11 times higher than prewar levels, while in the third year, they were still six times higher. Rates of anxiety and sleep disorders also increased sharply, with anxiety diagnoses rising by 40% to 70%. While no substantial changes were found among adults, children and adolescents continue to show an upward trend.
The data also revealed a deterioration in physical health among affected children and adults, including changes in blood pressure, worsening control of diabetes, and increased rates of high cholesterol and other blood lipid disorders. These health concerns were linked to changes in lifestyle and diet, particularly among evacuees who were forced to live away from their homes.
The findings underscore not only the growing need for mental and physical healthcare professionals but also the importance of developing long-term treatment plans rather than relying solely on short-term interventions. Through the generosity of our supporters, The Fellowship prays that Israeli children, teens, and adults can access the ongoing care and support they need to heal and rebuild their lives.