Tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers have seen combat in the Gaza Strip since last October, but not all of them leave the war behind when they come back home. Many suffer combat and operational stress, reactions that could lead to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and even suicide.

Now, cutting edge research by Dr. Leah Shelef, Dean of the School of Social Work at Sapir College, is seeking the most effective way to treat – and prevent – these dangerous outcomes. Shelef, who also serves as a consultant with the IDF’s Unit for Combat Reactions, recently presented her findings at the Sderot-Ichilov Conference:  From Trauma to Resilience, co-sponsored by Sapir College and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center.

Shelef’s lecture, entitled “From the War Front to the Clinical Front: Treating Demobilized Soldiers,” examined the various aspects of emerging post trauma among soldiers and the impact of early intervention. Her findings, which will help the IDF promote greater resilience and mental health among its soldiers and veterans, have been published in the prestigious academic journal Psychiatry Research. They are also another example of how Sapir College is making a real impact on Israeli society.

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