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Deborah Villanueva
Org. VP & Chair, Hadassah Evolve & Women's Health, Long Beach and Orange County, CA,

A Call for Peace and Unity as We Honor the Memory of the Murdered Hostages

Photo courtesy of Hadassah.
Photo courtesy of Hadassah.
Gandel Rehabilitation Center photo courtesy of Hadassah.

In the wake of the recent murders in Gaza of six young hostages, taken into captivity during the October 7, 2023, massacre, we find ourselves grappling with profound grief and reflection. Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino–each a vibrant soul whose life was cut short by the cruelty of conflict–serve as a somber reminder of the senseless violence that permeates our world.

As a mental health provider, I am deeply aware of the trauma that such events inflict, not only on individuals but on entire communities. The immediate reactions to such tragedies–heartache, confusion, anger– are natural responses. But beyond these initial feelings lies a crucial opportunity for healing and transformation. We must channel our grief into a concerted effort to foster peace and understanding. In memory of those we have lost, let us pledge to transform our sorrow into a powerful drive for empathy and unity.

Throughout history, we have seen how war and violence leave lasting scars on the human psyche. This is evident in the experiences of veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whose journeys toward recovery are long and fraught with challenges.

Similarly, the survivors of war, including those who endure unimaginable suffering, such as the loss of limbs or sexual violence, face a healing process that can be slow and arduous.

The correlation between these two groups –veterans and survivors of conflict–is striking. Both face a new reality shaped by their trauma, where recovery requires patience, resilience and the application of evidence-based therapies. The work of healing is painstaking, but with the right support and intervention, positive outcomes are achievable. Resiliency, a trait I have witnessed in both veterans and survivors, becomes a beacon of hope that guides them through their recovery.

Cutting-edge, evidence-based therapies are pivotal in this healing process. In treating PTSD in war survivors, therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) have shown significant efficacy. EMDR helps individuals reprocess traumatic memories by using guided eye movements, which can reduce the emotional charge of distressing memories. PE, on the other hand, involves gradual and repeated exposure to trauma-related memories, helping individuals confront and make sense of their experiences.

For survivors of sexual assault, therapies like Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) are at the forefront of treatment. TF-CBT addresses the impact of trauma through a combination of cognitive and behavioral techniques, helping survivors process their experiences and develop coping strategies. CPT focuses on challenging and modifying unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma, aiding survivors in understanding and reframing their thoughts about the assault.

These therapies are not only evidence-based but also tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Addressing both the psychological and emotional aspects of the trauma, they offer hope and a pathway to recovery. The resilience displayed by individuals undergoing these treatments is a testament to their strength and the potential for healing, even in the face of profound adversity.

By the same token, the collective strength and resilience of affected communities offer a powerful testament to the human spirit’s capacity for healing. The global response to such tragedies must encompass not only mourning but also action. It is through supporting organizations that embody this spirit of resilience that we can make a significant impact.

My volunteer organization, Hadassah, stands at the forefront of this effort. Its Hadassah Medical Organization (HMO) in Israel, with its two world-class hospitals, which include the new Gandel Rehabilitation Center and the Bat Ami Center for Victims of Sexual Abuse, provides critical support to those in need. These centers, along with the entire HMO, treat individuals without regard to race, religion or nationality, reflecting a profound commitment to healing and compassion.

By building bridges where there are divides, fostering dialogue where there is discord and striving for a world where compassion and understanding prevail, we honor the memory of those we have lost. Every act of kindness, every gesture of solidarity and every step toward understanding contributes to a greater, collective healing.

Let us take a moment to reflect on the resilience and strength of the human spirit, qualities that have enabled our people to persevere through history’s darkest times. This spirit is a testament to our capacity for growth and healing, even in the face of profound adversity.

As we move forward, let us carry the memory of those we have lost with us not just as a reminder of what was taken from us, but as a guiding light for what we must strive to achieve. May the memory of the fallen inspire us to transcend our differences and focus on our shared humanity, building a future that honors their lives and upholds the values of peace and respect for all.

Let us also acknowledge and uplift the work of facilities like HMO and the various organizations worldwide that exemplify the very principles of compassion and resilience we seek to embody. Their work is a crucial part of our collective journey toward peace and recovery.

Deborah is a member of the Hadassah Writers’ Circle, a dynamic and diverse writing group for leaders and members to express their thoughts and feelings about all the things Hadassah does to make the world a better place, to celebrate their personal Hadassah journeys and to share their Jewish values, family traditions and interpretations of Jewish texts. Since 2019, the Hadassah Writers’ Circle has published nearly 450 columns in the Times of Israel Blog and other Jewish media outlets. Interested? Please contact hwc@hadassah.org.

About the Author
Dr. Deborah Villanueva, DSW, MSW, LCSW, is the Organizational Vice President and Chair of Hadassah Evolve for Long Beach and Orange County, as well as a Board Member of the Hadassah Southern California Region. A member of the Hadassah Writers' Circle, Dr. Villanueva is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Long Beach, CA, with over 25 years of experience serving marginalized communities, including Native American and Latinx women. Specializing in perinatal mental health and trauma, she provides culturally sensitive care. Dr. Villanueva holds a graduate degree in Social Work from California State University Northridge and a Doctorate from USC. She is an international speaker on women's health and human trafficking prevention. She was recognized as Woman of the Year by the Los Angeles County Commission for Women and named Social Worker of the Year in 2024. She is currently vice-president of Education, Temple Beth-El, San Pedro, CA.
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