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    Boosting Child Resilience with Animal Therapy in Sderot

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    What’s happening:

    Children from Sderot are experiencing significant benefits from animal-assisted therapy at the Sderot Resilience Center, supported by KKL-JNF. This unique approach to mental health care is gaining importance following the terrifying events of October 7.

    Why it matters:

    In the aftermath of the traumatic terror attack on Israel’s south in early October, the Sderot Resilience Center has seen a surge in demand for its services, particularly for animal-based therapy, which offers a non-traditional method of support for young victims.

    The details:

    Noa Dotan, an expert in combining cognitive behavior therapy with animal therapy, works with children throughout the Eshkol Regional Council, including those displaced by the recent attacks. Using animal interaction, she helps children express feelings they might not be able to vocalize, thus fostering healing and resilience.

    Impact of therapy:

    The presence of animals creates an environment where children look beyond their situation, engaging in care-taking activities and making emotional connections. This method has proven instrumental for youngsters who otherwise struggle in conventional therapy settings.

    KKL-JNF’s supportive role:

    With the increased need for such therapeutic interventions, KKL-JNF is prioritizing support for the Sderot Resilience Center, aiding families affected by conflict. KKL-JNF’s chairman emphasizes the organization’s commitment to backing these families during trying times.

    Challenges faced by residents:

    While many have been evacuated, thousands still remain in Sderot, including vulnerable populations such as Holocaust survivors and the chronically ill. Dotan reflects on the difficulties faced by evacuees, even when provided with comfortable accommodations.

    How you can help:

    Donations to KKL-JNF enable continued aid for traumatized residents of Sderot, and with each donation, a pair of challah bread is gifted to a local resident. The partnership between KKL-JNF and the Resilience Center is a testament to the communal support rallying for these citizens.

    Bottom line:

    Animal therapy at the Sderot Resilience Center is proving to be a vital resource for children facing the horrors of conflict, demonstrating the power of innovative healing techniques during times of crisis.

    This story was first published on jpost.com.

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