Amidst Escalating Conflicts, Project Kesher Israel Transitions to Virtual Programming

In response to the alarming escalation of hostilities in the region, Project Kesher Israel (PKI) has transitioned much of its in-person programming to virtual offerings, best ensuring the safety of its network. Its decision reflects a real sense of fear that has spurred other organizations to take similar precautions. For example, Bnai Zion Hospital in Haifa has completely relocated—patients, clinics and the nursing program have all moved to safer spaces or underground shelters. This extends to PKI’s Hebrew-language classes for student nurses which took place in the hospital until the evacuation order.

The re-traumatization taking place among Israelis only makes the work of PKI more essential, as workshops bring in clinical psychologists, social workers and trauma specialists to introduce and review coping strategies that can help individuals best function during this difficult time. Despite the move to virtual events, nevertheless our coordinator group leaders met to make further decisions on programming for the coming year.  In addition to emotional support, the organization has sought to provide participants with needed distractions in the form of education and self-improvement as we all hope for safer, brighter days.