On April 3, Federation welcomed Professor Itzik Kreiss, Director General of Sheba Medical Center, to Greater Washington to discuss our ongoing partnership and Sheba’s response since October 7.

As the largest recipient of funding from Federation’s Israel Crisis Relief Fund, Sheba has played a critical role in caring for those affected by October 7 and its aftermath, from treating casualties and returning hostages to helping people cope with trauma.

Federation’s support has also helped Sheba expand Israel’s capacity to provide trauma and mental health care for the long term.

Intensive Mental Health Training

Two-week intensive courses help experienced psychologists and social workers strengthen their expertise in trauma care. Participants commit to at least one year of work in a public mental health clinic in northern or southern Israel, helping bring specialized care to communities where it is needed most.

Medical Simulation Training

Sheba is using its expertise in simulation-based medical education to train medical, education, and social-service professionals in communities across northern and southern Israel. By bringing this training directly to communities, Sheba is helping expand the country’s capacity to respond to trauma as needs continue to evolve.

But the work is about more than treatment and training. Professor Kreiss spoke about helping people imagine “the day after”: how individuals, families, and communities can begin to recover, rebuild, and look toward the future.

That same idea extends across Federation’s response in Israel. Support from Greater Washington has helped provide trauma and mental health care, assistance to displaced families, economic recovery, and other critical services while building capacity for the years ahead.

Your support helps Federation strengthen communities, care for people in times of crisis, and build a resilient Jewish future.