BUILDING RESILIENCE
RESTORING HOPE

ZAKA'S MENTAL HEALTH & PTSD RECOVERY CENTERS

FACING THE UNTHINKABLE

Every day, ZAKA volunteers face the unimaginable—scenes of devastation, loss, and tragedy.

They run toward the disaster, ensuring dignity for the dead and support for the living.

But the unseen wounds of these experiences linger, deepening with every call. Without urgent intervention, trauma becomes a silent battle, one they are left to fight alone.

ZAKA volunteer cleaning up after a traumatic event.

HONORING LIVES SHOULD NOT MEAN SACRIFICING THEIR OWN

"I have carried people's last moments with me for years. I see their faces when I close my eyes, I hear their voices in my sleep. After October 7, it became unbearable. I knew how to help others, but I had no idea how to help myself"

Since the tragic events of October 7, the need for mental health support among our volunteers has reached an urgent level. They have given everything to serve others—now it’s time for us to serve them. ZAKA is committed to building a network of Resilience Centers to provide the care, healing, and strength they deserve.

ZAKA volunteers carrying a body bag with dignity.

PTSD AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS: THE UNSEEN BATTLE

For ZAKA volunteers, trauma is not a rare event—it is their daily reality. They witness death, destruction, and loss firsthand, carrying the weight of these moments long after their shifts end. The constant exposure to tragedy takes a devastating toll on their mental health.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common among first responders, manifesting in flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional numbness. Studies show that over

30%

of emergency personnel develop PTSD

ZAKA volunteer cleaning a blood stain from the pavement.

THE MENTAL HEALTH GAP:

NO SUPPORT FOR NON-MILITARY PERSONNEL

While soldiers and security forces have structured mental health programs, civilian first responders like ZAKA volunteers are left without a safety net. Existing mental health services are overwhelmed, underfunded, and often unprepared to handle the severe trauma experienced by those who respond to disasters, terror attacks, and mass casualties. This gap leaves ZAKA volunteers vulnerable, struggling alone with the burden of their work.

COST OF UNTREATED TRAUMA

Without intervention, PTSD can lead to depression, substance abuse, family breakdowns, and even suicide. One in four first responders with PTSD considers self-harm. After October 7, ZAKA volunteers reported an overwhelming increase in psychological distress—many unable to sleep, function, or continue their lifesaving work.

As one volunteer put it:
"I've saved countless lives, but I feel like I'm losing my own. I don't need medals or recognition—I need help."

ZAKA's Resilience Centers will bridge this critical gap, offering the healing and support our heroes desperately need.

10 RESILIENCE CENTERS within 8 years

To secure the long-term impact and sustainability of ZAKA's Resilience Centers, we are implementing a phased strategy.

ZAKA volunteers huddling together for support.

BUILDING RESILIENCE
PHASED IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

Phase 1:

PILOT CENTER

YEARS 1-2

Location: Jerusalem – chosen for its high concentration of ZAKA volunteers and trauma cases.

Facility Size: 930 square meters.

Goals: Validate treatment methodologies, collect patient recovery data, and refine operational processes.

Phase 2:

EXPANSION TO FIVE CENTERS

YEARS 1-3

New Locations: Tel Aviv, Haifa, Be'er Sheva, Tiberias – covering key regions in Israel.

Standardized Training: Ensuring all staff across centers follow the best trauma-informed care practices.

Improved Efficiency: Lessons from the pilot center will be applied to optimize operations.

Phase 3:

NATIONWIDE GROWTH

YEARS 4-8

Expansion to 10 Centers: Strategically placed across Israel to ensure accessibility.

Self-Sustaining Model: Partnerships, insurance reimbursements, and government support will ensure long-term viability.

COMPREHENSIVE,
SPECIALIZED THERAPIES

The ZAKA Resilience Centers will provide a multidisciplinary approach to trauma recovery, combining psychological, physical, and alternative therapies to offer holistic healing:

PRIVATE THERAPY

One-on-one sessions with a specialist psychologist to address deep trauma.

COUPLES THERAPY

Helping first responders and their spouses rebuild relationships strained by PTSD.

THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT FOR VOLUNTEERS IN THE FIELD

Immediate crisis intervention via phone/Zoom, free of charge.

TRAUMA RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUPS

Peer-led sessions to create a sense of community and shared healing.

SPECIALIZED PSYCHOLOGICAL THERAPY FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

Addressing intergenerational trauma and family dynamics.

GROUP TRAUMA THERAPY

Expert-facilitated sessions that encourage mutual support and coping mechanisms.

EXPERT PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT FOR PTSD

Focused intervention strategies tailored to severe trauma cases.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND PHYSICAL REHABILITATION

Restoring functionality and well-being through movement-based therapy.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION FOR THERAPISTS

Expanding Israel's pool of trauma-informed mental health professionals.

HOW ZAKA'S RESILIENCE CENTERS
ARE DIFFERENT

Unlike conventional mental health facilities, ZAKA's Resilience Centers are tailor-made for first responders, offering:

IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO CARE:

No long wait times—volunteers receive urgent crisis support.
SPECIALIZED FOR FIRST RESPONDERS:

Designed specifically for those exposed to trauma daily.
HOLISTIC HEALING:

Combining mental health treatment with physical rehabilitation and alternative therapies.
REMOTE SUPPORT AVAILABLE:

24/7 emergency intervention via phone and Zoom.
ONGOING TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS:

Ensuring that Israel has a growing number of experts in first-responder PTSD.

THIS INITIATIVE FILLS A CRITICAL GAP IN ISRAEL'S MENTAL HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE, ENSURING THAT THE PEOPLE WHO DEDICATE THEIR LIVES TO SAVING OTHERS DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE.

THE FIRST STEP
JERUSALEM PILOT CENTER

The first ZAKA Resilience Center will be established in Jerusalem, a city with a high concentration of ZAKA volunteers and trauma cases. This center will serve as the foundation for future expansion, providing comprehensive mental health support in a specialized environment tailored for first responders.

3D render of the ZAKA Resilience Center floor plan.

NEFESH PLACE –
THERAPY CENTER

120 SQ. METERS

A safe, private space where professional therapists guide volunteers through emotional processing and trauma recovery.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Volunteers are frequently exposed to distressing scenes, requiring specialized therapy.
Failing to process trauma can lead to severe long-term psychological and emotional distress.

FEATURES

3 soundproof therapy rooms
Comfortable furniture
Appropriate lighting and AC/HV system

SHALVA PLACE –
SERENITY FOR THE SOUL

80 SQ. METERS

A peaceful space designed for emotional decompression after difficult incidents.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Trauma survivors need a safe, quiet space to process their experiences.
Provides an environment for relaxation and mental clarity.

FEATURES

Upholstered armchairs and couch sets
Full-surround sound system
Special lighting and curtains

ACTIVE PLACE – REENERGIZING
THE BODY & SOUL

100 SQ. METERS

A customized physical activity area that helps release emotional and physical tension through movement.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Trauma often manifests in the body as stress and tension.
Physical movement is proven to reduce PTSD symptoms.

FEATURES

Yoga and Pilates mats
Light exercise equipment
Mirrors and sound system

Render of Conversation Place social area

CONVERSATION PLACE –
WHERE FRIENDS MEET

90 SQ. METERS

A supportive social space where volunteers can share their experiences and form connections.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Many first responders feel isolated due to their traumatic experiences.
Provides an opportunity for peer support and healing.

FEATURES

Round-table discussion space for 12 participants
Fully equipped kitchenette with refreshments
Library with professional resources

Render of Creative Place music and crafts area

CREATIVE PLACE –
MUSIC & CRAFTS

70 SQ. METERS

A therapeutic art and music space designed for nonverbal emotional expression and healing.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Creative outlets allow volunteers to process trauma in ways words cannot.
Helps reconnect them with joy and emotional well-being.

FEATURES

Craft tables and storage for equipment
Basic art supplies
Music therapy instruments

TECH PLACE – THE
TECHNOLOGY CORNER

60 SQ. METERS

A high-tech therapy room that uses virtual reality (VR) and digital tools to aid in trauma recovery.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Advanced technology allows volunteers to practice relaxation and coping techniques in a controlled setting.
Virtual reality can recreate safe environments to work through PTSD triggers.

FEATURES

VR system for guided breathing and relaxation
Computer stations for mindfulness and meditation
Audio-visual equipment for stress relief

THE RESILIENCE
GARDEN

150 SQ. METERS

An outdoor recovery space designed to provide natural healing and relaxation.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Exposure to fresh air and nature is a proven stress-reduction method.
Combines calming design, shaded areas, and activity stations for emotional decompression.

FEATURES

Relaxation pavilion with shaded seating
Outdoor play and movement stations
Designed landscaping with therapeutic ambiance