A children’s therapist and mother of three in London is marking her 40th birthday with 40 mitzvot to raise funds for charities that help youngsters impacted by trauma in Israel.
On a date night with her husband Lior, Katie Gerenstein found herself talking about the future of Israel, where the couple had lived and where she worked as a children’s therapist before they moved to her native Britain.
“The effect the last three years has had on our generation and their children is unknown. I was saying to Lior that one of my big concerns for the future of Israel is if people don’t feel psychologically safe, and what needs to happen next,” said Katie. “What does the country need to be doing to psychologically support young children?”
Aware of the rise of PTSD affecting not just soldiers, but civilians, parents and children across the country, Katie said: “Waking up to sirens makes the body hyper vigilant. Having lived there and felt threatened myself and experienced the sirens and the terror, it scares me for what children are enduring.”
As a therapist Katie warned of the “dangerous” psychological impact of long-term and repeated trauma for children. She pointed to friends living in Israel who have noticed a rise in or a change in children’s behaviours and anxiety.
“It’s really sad,” said Katie. “It concerns me that these children will learn to disconnect as a survival instinct.”
She turned to thinking about the different therapies offered by organisations in Israel that support young people in their resilience and wellbeing after everything they have experienced since October 7.
Together with her three young daughters, Katie set herself the goal of completing 40 good deeds before she turns 40 at the end of September. Her list of 40 mitzvot includes bake sales, cooking meals for those in need, buying a meal for a homeless person, community clean-ups and leaving kind notes in library books.
Katie said, “They are things we felt would make a difference in the world. These small acts are a reminder that kindness and connection are powerful antidotes to trauma.”
All funds raised will go to Community Stress Prevention Centre (CSPC), Atem-et, and CST. CSPC, led by drama therapist Mooli Lahad, pioneers innovative ways to help children process trauma and rebuild strength. The charity has developed resilience regulation kits, and places therapists in public shelters, so when a family enters and a child is distressed, they can sit with them and teach them how to use the kit to support them the next time they experience sirens or dysregulation. “They’ve done unbelievable work in how helping the next generations in Israel to cope,” said Katie.
Founded by psychologist Lilach Rachamim, Atem-et provides therapeutic programmes for families dealing with trauma and PTSD. The organisation combines digital platforms with human support tailored for children all over the country.
“Both organisations are helping to safeguard the future emotional resilience of Israeli society,” said Katie.
To help Katie reach her fundraising target, click here
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