Rising Anxiety and Trauma in Israeli Children Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Anxiety symptoms among children in northern Israel are increasing as the conflict with Iran and Hezbollah continues, according to reports from resilience organizations. These symptoms include a resurgence of previously treated conditions and new manifestations of distress, impacting children of all ages.

Increased Symptoms and Regression

The Mashabim Center in Kiryat Shmona, located near the Lebanese border, has observed a marked increase in anxiety symptoms in children, including bedwetting, soiling, panic attacks, nightmares, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. The Times of Israel reports that some children who had previously undergone successful treatment for anxiety are experiencing a return of symptoms.

Professionals are noting a regression in children’s behavior, with previously toilet-trained children experiencing bedwetting and fecal incontinence. Other reported symptoms include anxiety, panic attacks, disturbed sleep, fear of separation from parents, apathy, emotional withdrawal, unexplained physical complaints (head and stomach aches), and difficulty concentrating in school, which is largely conducted remotely. [1]

Impact of Prolonged Stress and Declining Trust

Experts emphasize that these symptoms are a natural response to prolonged stress and anxiety, rather than a sign of weakness. “People, and especially children, are not worn down by a single difficult event, but by an ongoing difficult reality,” stated Prof. Mooli Lahad, Founder and President of the Mashabim Center. [1]

Mashabim therapists have too reported a concerning decline in children’s trust in adults. Some children struggle to believe it is safe to leave protected spaces, although parents themselves may find it difficult to convey a sense of security due to their own uncertainty. [1]

Mashabim’s Response and Support

Since the start of Operation Roaring Lion on February 28, Mashabim’s hotlines have received 264 requests for one-on-one therapy, with 144 of those requests being for children aged up to 18. Specifically, 80 requests were for children under six, and 53 were for children aged seven to twelve. [1] 75 couples have sought parental guidance.

Yiftach Benbenishti, CEO of the Mashabim Center, highlighted the organization’s rapid response capabilities, stating, “We can operate very quickly. We have tens of thousands of professionals that we have trained, and we know very quickly to call for action.” [4] The Elma Hotel was converted into an evacuation center, and Mashabim provided immediate support. [2]

Recommendations for Parents

Mashabim recommends that parents:

• Acknowledge their children’s fear and recognize it as a natural response.
• Maintain routine as much as possible, including shared meals, playtime, and bedtime rituals.
• Limit exposure to news coverage.
• Provide age-appropriate explanations about safety procedures during alarms.
• Seek professional support if symptoms persist.

Accessing Support

Mashabim’s hotlines are available in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English.