Israeli trauma experts support Manchester community after Yom Kippur attack

Senior mental health professionals from Israel’s leading trauma organisation are travelling to Manchester this week to support the Jewish community in the wake of the Yom Kippur attack at Heaton Park Synagogue.

At the invitation of the UK’s leading Israel charity UJIA, in partnership with JAMH (Jewish Action for Mental Health), experts from The Israel Trauma and Resiliency Centre [NATAL] will lead training and support sessions for school and synagogue staff, local charities, community leaders, and therapists.

The work has begun today, with participants from King David Primary and King David High School, the Friendship Circle, the FED social workers, rabbis and the UJIA Shlicha.

The programme will focus on recognising and responding to trauma, strengthening resilience, and providing ongoing support to those affected by the attack.

UJIA chief executive Mandie Winston said: “The horrific events of Yom Kippur at Heaton Park shul shook the entire UK Jewish community. UJIA has supported trauma and resilience work in Israel for decades, helping to make Israel a global leader in these fields.

“While we pray that these circumstances are never repeated, UJIA’s initiative to bring Israeli psychological experts from Natal to Manchester will help community leaders build key skillsets to benefit those directly and indirectly affected by the attack.  They will be delivering specialised training to key members of the community, focusing on trauma support based on their experience of war and terror. This will include training for school and shul staff, small charities and communal leaders and JAMH therapists.”

Chief executive of UK Friends of NATAL, Caroline Ratner, added: “For the past two years, the Manchester community has stood steadfastly with Israel and never wavered in its support. Now, in the wake of the horrific terror attack at Heaton Park Shul on Yom Kippur, NATAL is bringing its expertise in trauma care to Manchester.

“This is a bittersweet moment, as the community, along with the wider diaspora, celebrates the release of the hostages while also coming to terms with the trauma of what happened on Yom Kippur. We are grateful to UJIA for facilitating this. NATAL is proud to stand with the Manchester community in their time of need and to support the beginning of their healing journey.”

UJIA is funding the Manchester visit to meet the community’s immediate psychosocial needs. NATAL has provided assistance to over 100,000 Israelis since the 7 October attacks.