The Devastating Impact of Abductions on Families: A Mental Health Crisis in the Making

As the number of abductees continues to rise, the families of those captured are also struggling. A recent study revealed that these family members are experiencing mental trauma, relationship difficulties, and financial strain. Dr. Einat Yehana, head of rehabilitation at the headquarters of families of abductees, presented a study that found 10 women and eight men who had experienced similar struggles.

The researchers concluded that due to the families’ traumatic stress, helplessness, and terror while waiting for their loved ones to return home, an epidemic of mental psychopathology and chronic diseases is expected among them in the future. Kobi Ben Ami, whose brother Ohad Ben Ami was kidnapped from Kibbutz Bari, spoke about his mother’s deteriorating condition. She is 78 years old and has been on dialysis for a month after having a pacemaker implanted due to her health issues caused by the kidnapping situation.

Several family members from the first and second circles testified that they did not receive any proactive request from health funds or only received one request. Ester Buchstab, a kindergarten teacher who is a mother to one of the abducted children Yagav Buchstab said she put all her other duties aside including health issues after her children were kidnapped as she had no maternity clinic or online services available due to lack of doctors which did not bother anyone when she needed prescriptions.

Professor Hagai Levin who accompanies families in this process stated that the state must establish a dedicated rehabilitation center for family members of abductees and learn how to do it correctly as this event will continue to affect future generations. Yael Goren Hezekiah, Director of Abductees, Missing Persons, and Returnees at the Prime Minister’s Office admitted that there is no doubt that family members are suffering mentally and health-wise but they are limited by law in providing assistance directly to them beyond what is included in their basket and there is currently a professional committee examining their recognition issue before any direct contact can be made with them.

Attorney Shlomi Mor said that finding solutions from here and there does not really hold nor does it provide an answer as he urged legislators to regulate the status of second and third circuits through legislation as soon as possible so that necessary regulations can be made for them