This past week, at the American Zionist Movement’s Biennial National Assembly, I sat down with Mark Wilf,  Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Jewish Agency , for a conversation shaped by grief, responsibility, and resolve.

For Wilf, October 7 was not only an attack on Israel — it was an attack on Jewish stability itself.

“This moment shattered a sense of safety that Israelis had lived with for decades,” Wilf said.
“Rebuilding means restoring trust, routine, and hope.”

Rebuilding Starts With Trauma Care

Wilf was clear: before rebuilding homes, Israel must help people heal.

“You cannot rebuild a country if people are traumatized,” he said.
“Trauma doesn’t disappear when the headlines fade.”

Since October 7, the Jewish Agency for Israel has prioritized trauma response — especially for displaced families, children, and first responders.

“Entire communities were uprooted overnight,” Wilf said.
“Children were pulled out of their homes, schools disappeared, parents lost jobs — that kind of disruption leaves scars.”

The Agency has supported mental health services, emergency counseling, and community-based healing programs.

“Trauma care is not a one-time intervention,” Wilf emphasized.
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© The Times of Israel (Blogs)