Jerusalem Resilience Center – Shaare Nefesh

In Israel, where many people have encountered trauma through military service, conflict, bereavement and displacement, the need for effective trauma care has become increasingly urgent. Most recently, the events of October 7th, 2023, affected hundreds of thousands both directly and indirectly, with many experiencing post-traumatic symptoms for the first time. As a result, the Jerusalem Foundation partnered with Sha’are Zedek Medical Center to establish the Resilience Centre of Jerusalem. The Centre was created with a focused clinical purpose to treat people suffering from post-traumatic stress that has not responded sufficiently to conventional therapy. At the heart of its work is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, an emerging treatment that combines carefully administered ketamine with ongoing psychological care. Rather than replacing psychotherapy, it is integrated into a broader therapeutic process under close medical and clinical supervision.

For some patients, ketamine may temporarily loosen the rigid emotional and cognitive patterns that trauma can create. In this altered state, individuals may be able to approach painful memories and emotions from a different perspective. Trained therapists guide the process, helping patients explore what emerges and integrate new insights into their continuing therapy and daily lives. For those unable to move forward through traditional treatment alone, this approach may open a previously inaccessible path toward recovery. While ketamine-assisted treatment has been approved for use in Israel, the Centre is also developing additional therapeutic approaches waiting to be approved.