This issue was published approximately a year after the October 7th massacre that led to the Iron swords war, as we continue to face daily traumatic events amidst a period filled with both national and personal adversities. The past year has left a profound impact on the entire population, marked by frequent changes in environments, roles, and activities. An ongoing search for routines and meaningful participation to restore an occupational identity that has, at times, felt unstable. As professionals skilled in analyzing and identifying barriers and facilitators to promote engagement and participation in occupations, our role as occupational therapists has become more vital than ever.
This issue, dedicated to the clinical and research work of occupational therapists during times of emergency and disaster, focuses on the personal, professional and community coping with collective trauma and its effects on function. It seeks to shed light on the unique and essential role of occupational therapists, in providing a holistic response to the complex needs of individuals and communities in times of uncertainty and disrupted routines. At the same time, this issue stands as a testimony to the power of rehabilitation, of hope and renewal, as they were reflected in the field, demonstrating creativity, strength, and innovation.
The opening article presents the application of an early, short-term and function-focused occupational therapy intervention model adapted for a combined military and therapeutic unit. The authors Shirly Adir-Pavis, Dr. Israel Krieger, Dr. Michal Lifshitz and Shani Volovic-Shushan explain the theoretical basis for the intervention which includes the human occupation model (MOHO) and the principles of treating soldiers with combat reactions (proximity, immediacy and anticipation). This model, originally published in this journal in 2015 as a theoretical model (Gindi et al., 2015), was now implemented for the first time in war zone conditions. The implementation of the model emphasizes the crucial role of occupational therapists in the early stages of trauma, reducing long-term functional impairment, promoting an improved quality of life and helping the development of personal resilience.
In this issue we have added a special section – a war diary, dedicated to events directly related to the war. The first article in the section: The Quietness in the Storm – The "Quiet Rooms" by Shimona Lev-On, Dr. Sigal Wax, Josh Yishai-Vas Malada, Chana Yamin Sherki, Yael Yoshai and Osher Nachmias, describes a project developed in collaboration with the National Headquarters of Occupational Therapy at the Ministry of Health, Joint-Israel beyond Limits, and Beit Issie Shapira. The paper describes the development of multi-sensory environments and quiet spaces, supervised by occupational therapists, in hotels, for the people that had been evacuated from their homes. The goal was to provide a calm space for people coping during emergency situations, to support the health of the displaced, to improve their well-being and quality of life and functioning.
The second article in the section: Emotional regulation support group for pregnant and postpartum women in the shadow of the war, by Jasmin Bar Yosef, describes a group intervention held at “Clalit” health services’ women's mental health clinic. The group included women displaced from their homes, during pregnancy or after childbirth. The women were given tools to regulate anxiety and foster healthy mother-child attachment patterns. An additional focus of the group was to provide mental and social support for the new mothers' functional well being, amidst the challenges of war.
The regular sections in this issue were also dedicated to endeavors during the war. Technology and Internet edited by Dr. Sivan Regev section features Innovation from a crisis: entrepreneurship and the use of digital tools in occupational therapy, Meital Karni Buchman, Shai Milo, Tanya Chaimovic and Dr. Karen Rose outline the "Cognishine" system. The authors described technological adaptations to needs in the field and the use of advanced digital tools to help deal with the timely challenges, supporting rehabilitation and promoting function.
The Point of View section edited by Dr. Tamar Paley presents Thinking from the balcony, Dr. Vered Speier Keisar and Dr. Yael Mazor, discuss collaborative activities of occupational therapists and social workers and examines their shared traumatic reality. The article focuses on the cooperation between the two professions, which aims to provide a comprehensive and integrative response to emergency situations and trauma, from the understanding of the emotional and functional needs of individuals and communities.
In the section from a personal viewpoint, edited by Ronit Livne, two unique perspectives are presented on the complex challenges that this period has had on therapists. Orna Kochav describes her personal experience of dealing with the trauma of the events and being displaced from her home. Efrat Gefen Farira shares her story as a therapist in the midst of a collective shared reality of war. Both stories offer a glimpse into the personal and professional spheres, which are entrenched in the duality of the therapist's role along with their personal coping strategies.
Finally, we are pleased to present the recently completed Position Paper: Occupational Therapy Intervention for Communities. This document emerged from trends within the profession that began prior to the war but have taken on even greater significance over the past year, as new needs have developed in the field. The position paper was compiled and edited by Shani Shefa Kogan and Sara Gat, and in collaboration with Nati Olinki, Dr. Anat Golos, Shai Fox Anidgar, Dr. Sivan Regev, Ariella Stanger and Dr. Kineret Sharfi. The document emphasizes the community's contribution to the health and well-being of its members. It is directed at occupational therapists, the general public and policy makers, with the aim of raising awareness regarding the impact of community interventions on quality of life and well-being.
We conclude this issue with profound sorrow and deep pain, after months filled with hope and anticipation for the return of Carmel Gat, of blessed memory—a cherished colleague and an occupational therapist in her heart and soul. In this issue, we express our grief over her cruel death. This stands in stark contrast to Carmel’s radiant spirit, which embodied a profound respect for life and an unwavering faith in humanity. Even in the face of unimaginable captivity, Carmel remained a fierce advocate for others. We all mourn your loss, Carmel, and stand in support of your loved ones. We close with heartfelt words in tribute to Carmel and hope and a shared prayer for the safety and safe return of Keith Siegel, an occupational therapist who remains in Hamas captivity since October 7th, along with all hostages, soldiers, and people displaced from their homes. May they all return swiftly and safely and may we all witness a restoration of peace and tranquility.
Dr. Sivan Regev, editor-in-chief of the IJOT, ijot2.il@gmail.com
Dr. Gili Hoter Ishay, co-editor of the IJOT, ghertsman@gmail.com
Dr. Liat Gafni-Lachter, guest-editor in this issue, lgafni@bu.edu
