London premiere of Levi exposes silent mental-health struggles among Orthodox youth

A powerful new film highlighting the hidden mental-health pressures facing young Orthodox Jews prompted an emotional and unusually open discussion at its London premiere on Thursday night. Clinicians and suicide-prevention specialists agreed that silence, stigma and isolation can be obstacles, yet listening non-judgementally and signposting can help save lives.

The screening formed part of a wider community initiative supported by Jewish News, Jami and Evsate, aimed at improving suicide-awareness education and equipping families, schools and communal organisations with practical tools to recognise early signs of distress.

Levi, created by Manchester-based podcaster Eli Hassell, who is also CEO of Evsate, follows a teenager returning from yeshiva, unable to tell his family how severely he is struggling. Speaking after the screening at JW3, Hassell said the character’s experience mirrors the reality of too many young people who feel unable to voice their fears. He recounted the sudden death of a friend who had seemed energised about a new business venture when they last met. “We were laughing, we were joking, we were talking,” he told the audience. “Best despite all this, I didn’t know… he never shared with anyone.” He added: “That is just like Levi in the film. He was struggling, and nobody knew.”

Hassell said the film was developed with continuous input from mental-health professionals to ensure that the internal turmoil, crisis moments and help-seeking behaviours were portrayed accurately. He has since been screening the film in communities across Israel, the UK and the US, where audience members frequently disclose similar experiences. “People were too afraid to say this aloud before,” he said.

The panel discussion brought together Philippa Carr, Senior Education and Suicide Prevention Manager at Jami; Ben Ingber, CEO of The Listening Place; and Dr Stuart Linke, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who chaired the discussion. All three stressed that the themes shown in the film – fear of disappointing family, feeling unable to ask for help and the loneliness that follows – are widely recognised across the community.

Carr said the film captured the “isolation and circular thoughts” often described by people experiencing suicidal distress. She shared the words of a survivor supported by Jami: “There is no pain like psychological pain.”

“The people around those struggling are vital,” she said. “Families, friends, carers – they advocate, they can support, they can help someone take the first step to help.” She also reminded the audience that Jami is there to support community members facing any mental health challenge, however big or small.

Ingber said the film portrayed “with real truth” the difficulty of starting a genuine conversation about distress and the relief that can follow when someone responds without judgment. He highlighted the moment in which Levi begins opening up to his rabbi after being met with calm understanding. “You could see how difficult it was for him – and how reassuring it became once the conversation had started,” he said. “We don’t need to be professionals to sit alongside someone in their moment of pain.”

Dr Linke said persistent fears about “saying the wrong thing” continue to inhibit open discussion of suicide in Jewish communal settings, even though evidence shows such conversations are protective rather than harmful. He urged communities to pay attention when someone abruptly withdraws from regular activities or social contact. “One of the myths is that if you mention it, they might do it,” he said. “That simply isn’t true. People often value the opportunity to say what has been on their mind.”

Jami, part of Jewish Care, will be launching a new community suicide-prevention programme for communal, lay and spiritual leaders and community members in early 2026. The initiative is being designed to reflect the community’s sensitivities and needs and will also include postvention – the support Jami provides to the community after a suicide.

Closing the evening, Hassell appealed to parents, educators, and community leaders to create spaces where honesty can replace fear. “The most important lesson is the importance of talking, sharing, opening up,” he said. “The character Levi takes those first steps to help. The film carries a message of hope.”

Where to get help

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or severe emotional distress, support is available:

Jami
jamiuk.org/get-support or call 020 8458 2223

James’s Place

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Locations in Liverpool, London, Newcastle

ANDYSMANCLUB
https://andysmanclub.co.uk/
Provides peer-led groups across the UK

The Listening Place

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