NATAL: ISRAEL TRAUMA CENTER FOR VICTIMS OF TERROR AND WAR Interview by Sue Van Der Hout
What do you do and what do you say to victims of terror? NATAL is an Israel Trauma Center created to help victims of terror and war. Colonel (Res.) Orly Gal, NATAL’s Executive Director shares her perspective on motherhood, love and courage in the face of terror.
You are working to support people traumatized by terror. What are the youngest victims of terror sharing with you?
They share their experiences and anxieties with us: some were on exploding buses, on their way to school or going to the movies; some were dining out with their families, having a good time or even celebrating a special event, such as birthday, when a suicide bomber tore their world apart. Many described their immediate feelings as concern for the wellbeing of their loved ones – parents, siblings, and friends. Many others described feelings of horror and despair. Almost all of them expressed strong will to resume their normal lives and were determined not to let the terrible event destroy their plans and their hope for a better future.
During the Second Lebanon War in the summer of 2006, 40% of the individuals who called NATAL’s emergency toll-free line were children and adolescents, especially from the bombarded north. The children were alarmed by the siren, exhausted from the forced stay in the shelter or the safe room, and many were afraid that a missile would destroy their home. In the southern city of Sderot, this situation has been going on for 6 years, with Kasam rockets being shot at the city almost every week. Children there are frightened to leave their homes, and avoid playing outside. They are especially worried if a member of their family is out while the siren is on, indicating another Kasam has been shot.
What is the impact of terror on families? What are you seeing and hearing?
Families that have been hit by terror need a lot of assistance in order not to fall apart. From my experience, families that underwent such tragedies either get closer or grow apart. Many times couples divorce and there are many feelings of blame and of helplessness. For that reason it is very important to stand by the families and give them the emotional and professional support that they need.
What values about life do mothers try to instill in their children when sudden unexpected death is around them?
We live in an unexpected environment and so children here, even very young ones, understand that anything can happen to anyone, anywhere. As parents it is important for us that our children be cautious and avoid taking risks; however, most of us try to give our children a sense of security and encourage them to carry on with their lives (almost) as usual. It is important not to cave in to fear, but also to be very aware and alert.
What are mothers saying to their children when they put them on the bus to school in the morning?
I think it’s the same as mothers and fathers say to their children in other parts of the world: have a nice day, we love you, don’t forget to eat your lunch… we might add an occasional "be careful".
Do mothers and daughters still shop together or is it a risk to be together just in case terror strikes?
Of course! Even if certain activities such as shopping together are avoided, this would be the case just for the first hours or days after the terror attack has occurred. It might sound surprising, but we live a very normal life here, in spite of the unstable security situation.
In North America, we are a society consumed by beauty. What is being done to help young victims of terror deal with disfiguration?
Israel is very much like America in that sense. For a young person to be disfigured is indeed an extremely difficult experience. To be honest, I think the one comfort is that in Israel we have physicians, who are experts is physical reconstruction, and usually some improvement is achieved.
If there is a message to be conveyed to these people, traumatized by war, what is it?
That they are not alone; that many individuals and organizations are there for them and can help them; that it is ok to feel frightened and alone; and that it can be better.
What is their message to us?
That Israel is a strong and dynamic state and a very beautiful land with many wonderful places to visit, such as magnificent Jerusalem, the heavenly Dead Sea and the lively metropolitan of Tel Aviv, just to name a few; that people here are indeed brave and resilient but also very normal and wish to live normal lives; that in spite of everything, we go to work, go to school, get married, have children, go out, enjoy our lives and pray for peace; and yet, that it is very important to remember that those who already paid the price must never be left alone.
25.06.2007
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Orly Gal is the executive director of NATAL. She took this position after retiring from the Israeli army as a Colonel. At the time of her retirement from the army, Orly was among the highest ranking women in the army. Before that she was Deputy Spokesperson for the IDF. Orly has three intelligent daughters, one just completing her army service training infantry troops, another at Ben Gurion University studying chemical engineering and one is only 11.
For information in the U.S. contact Naomi Kayne, 614 456 7578.
www.natal.org.il
info@americanfriendsofnatal
naomi@americanfriendsofnatal
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