Tel-Hai Magazine 2023-2024

TEL-HAI MAGAZINE A YEAR IN THE SHADOW OF WAR

2023-2024

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Forging ahead through adversity: promoting internationalization despite the war Hila Nevo The benefits of STEM research apprenticeships: cultivating scientific aspirations among high school students Prof. Irit Sasson Healthy and sustainable: measuring the environmental impact of what we eat From the research findings of Dr. Sigal Tepper

Opening words Professor Eliezer Shalev, M.D., President

Tel-Hai’s year in the shadow of war Info-graphics Meet Tel-Hai’s Steering Committee Leading Tel-Hai’s transition to university status Paying it forward - restoring Israel’s resilience during war Students implement Dr. Moshe Farchi’s Six Cs model We shall return to the Galilee Lessons learned from the battle of Tel-Hai Prof. Amir Goldstein The Regional Knowledge Center East Galilee: applying regional-specific data to enhance quality of life Entrepreneurship as a way of life: continuing to foster entrepreneurship in northern Israel during the war A haven of creativity and inspiration before, during, and after the war The Tel-Hai Arts Institute Dr. Gal Shahar Coping with prolonged evacuation from home due to war: a preliminary study Prof. Meirav Hen and Dr. Yifat Linder The Israel AgriFood-Tech Valley Cluster Management: positioning the Galilee as a key player in the agrifood-tech industry

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Closing words Eli Cohen, Director General

Tel-Hai mourns the loss of its community members

Students at the forefront of war relief

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Amir Amar Third-year student, Department of Computer Science Erez Tal Shir Second-year student, Department of Social Work Ofir Remez Second-year student, Department of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies Hodaya Karin Talker Second-year student, Department of Social Work Omri Yeruham and Ofek Dana Third-year students, Department of Social Work

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Editorial team: Tamar Dinur, Julie Adar, Sandra Shapira Contributing Writers (in alphabetical order): Julie Adar, Tamar Dinur, Daniella Edelman, Prof. Amir Goldstein, Prof. Meirav Hen, Dr. Yifat Linder, Hila Nevo, Rotem Raikin, Prof. Irit Sasson, Dr. Gal Shahar Editing: Julie Adar Production Manager: Tamar Dinur Design: Panda Design Studio - Moshe Kakon

Adi Goldberg Third-year student, Department of Education

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Dear friends, as we stand at the threshold of a new academic year, it is impossible not to reflect on the painful year that has passed. Our nation has experienced a trauma unparalleled since the founding of our state. The unimaginable events that we have witnessed during this year, the constant daily attacks on Israel’s northern border, and the continued displacement of the many residents of Kiryat Shmona and the Upper Galilee weigh heavily on our hearts. Amidst this pain and concern, I find myself in awe of our institution’s ability to stand firm in the face of this strenuous reality and ongoing uncertainty. The war has not deterred us from our mission. We have made the necessary adaptations to ensure the continuation of our research and academic activities, driven by a sense of responsibility and commitment to secure the future of our region and our institution, which is now transitioning into a university. Tel-Hai has extended its reach beyond the campus, using its knowledge and resources to provide broad support for the evacuated communities. We have implemented psychological social resilience programs, operated by faculty and students from various departments, in emergency centers and at evacuee sites. Our faculty and staff, despite being scattered across the country, have been providing assistance and support to our students and communities even from afar. We anticipate a challenging year ahead, but we are committed to the continued operation of our institution, and the fulfillment of Tel-Hai’s role as a catalyst for regional economic and social growth. The appointment of the accompanying committee for the establishment of the university represents a significant leap forward. This official recognition of Tel-Hai as a university reinforces our commitment to its growth and establishment as a leading academic institution in northern Israel. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, our partners and friends, for being a great source of support and hope throughout this difficult year. Your loyalty and dedication to our shared cause gives us strength, and inspires us to continue realizing this endeavor. I believe that strengthening Tel-Hai at this critical juncture is crucial for northern Israel’s recovery, prosperity and future development. The university will remain a cornerstone of advancement, knowledge and collaboration, enhancing the resilience of the entire region, greatly thanks to your partnership. As we move forward, let us carry with us the lessons of resilience, adaptability, and community support that have defined this past year. Together, we will continue to nurture the academic excellence and social responsibility that are the hallmarks of Tel-Hai College – soon-to-be university. We continue to hold on to our hope for the safe and quick return of those still being held in captivity and those still on the frontlines, defending our country. Wishing a full recovery to the injured and the long-due homecoming of the dispersed communities of the north and south.

Professor Eliezer Shalev, M.D. President

Professor Eliezer Shalev, M.D. President

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Meet Tel-Hai’s Steering Committee Leading Tel-Hai in the transition to university status

The upcoming transition into a university will advance what has always been Tel-Hai’s aspi ration – to serve both as an anchor and an engine for regional development through ap plied research, advanced teaching and com munity involvement. Tel-Hai is dedicated to broadening its circle of influence as an insti tution of higher education and is determined, now more than ever, to impact the economic growth and strengthen the social fabric of the Galilee. Over the years, the college has faced many challenges on the path to becoming a univer sity, especially during the past year of war. And yet, we are driven by the belief that the Galilee will thrive again. Tel-Hai is commit ted to fulfilling its role in the development of the Galilee and will continue to work towards the return of students, researchers, and indus tries to the area, and accomplishing the estab lishment of a university in the Galilee. Tel-Hai’s steering committee was appoint ed to lead the college in its transition to uni versity status and comprises five members: Mr. Ze’ev Feldman, Chair of the Executive Committee; Prof. Eliezer Shalev M.D., Pres ident; Mr. Arik Dayan, Chair of the Strategic Committee; Mr. Eli Cohen, Director Gener al, and Ms. Michal Raikin, former Chair of the Board of Trustees. The committee was formed to address all aspects of the transition , while distilling the university’s vision, its re gional role, mission and goals. The committee has set in motion a five-year and a ten-year strategic plan to be implemented by the new university, encompassing all levels of its activ ity: academic and research activity, adminis trative and infrastructure needs, its relations with other academic institutions, government bodies, local authorities and communities, and philanthropic organizations.

Ze’ev Feldman Chair of the Executive Committee

Prof. Eliezer Shalev, M.D. President

Prof. Shalev, M.D., is a Chair Profes sor Emeritus at the Technion, where he served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and led the establishment of the Guangdong Technion - Israel In stitute of Technology in China. His extensive expertise and experience in the academic field provide the founda tion for realizing the establishment of the university. As President of Tel Hai, he has been working closely with the accompanying committee for the establishment of the university that was appointed by the Council for Higher Education and he is leading the college’s transition to an innova tive and unique academic structure. “The university will be based on the con cept of three interdisciplinary hubs: Science & Technology, Social Sciences & Human ities, and Education & Teaching. Each hub will consist of three areas of activity: re search, teaching, and partnerships with the community and the main economic sectors of the region. This model will drive progress in health, economics, and education, as well as encourage an ongoing dialogue with all par ties involved, to produce shared values and enhance the university’s impact on the re gion.”

Ze'ev Feldman voluntarily serves as Chair of Tel-Hai’s Executive Com mittee after having served as Chair of the Board of Trustees. As a resident of the Galilee, it is of great importance to him to promote the region and this has been highly reflected in his roles at the college. He has been active in the region for many years within his business and philanthropic activities, and continues to support the advance ment of Tel-Hai in achieving univer sity status and the development of the Galilee. “We are undergoing an exceptionally chal lenging time as an organization. Yet, we are working to thoroughly carry out the master plan that has been developed for the transition from college to university. We are in contact with government officials regarding budgeting and resources to support this transition. We move forward with the belief that we will overcome these challenges and become not just a university, but an excellent and strong uni versity that will contribute to restoring the success of the Galilee.”

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Arik Dayan Chair of the Strategic Committee

Eli Cohen Director General

Michal Raikin former Chair of the Board of Trustees

Mr. Cohen has been serving as Director General of Tel-Hai for the past 11 years. As a native of Kiryat Shmona, his devo tion to the region and its residents has fueled his determination to assure Tel Hai’s transition into a university and to accomplish its goal to serve as a driving force for regional development. Com manding the daily operations of the col lege, especially during this year of hard ship, has reinforced his belief in the importance of the unique work-culture and exceptional human capital that characterize Tel-Hai and that must be preserved in its transition to university status. “Tel-Hai is becoming a university. Without the dedication and hard work of our administra tive staff and academic faculty, the members of our management, executive committee, board of trustees and the members of this steering com mittee, we would not have been able to accom plish all that has been accomplished. We have also been privileged with the unwavering support of our philanthropic community, who are true partners on this journey; without them, none of this would be possible. And of course, our won derful students, who are the future of our region and represent us with pride wherever they go.”

Mr. Dayan served voluntarily as Chair of the Executive Committee of Tel-Hai for 12 years and has played a central role in driving Tel-Hai forward towards becom ing a university. Over the years, his con tribution and devotion to the college and to the region have been invaluable, and he continues to contribute his knowledge and expertise today as Chair of the Stra tegic Committee for the Establishment of the University. “I have had the honor of witnessing and tak ing an active part in the development of the col lege over the years – its growth in students; the expansion and development of its campuses, and the construction of new and advanced buildings, laboratories, and student dormitories, and there are many further projects yet to come. Prior to the war, Tel-Hai had become finan cially established towards its next step in the process of becoming a university. We are deter mined to continue on this path and realize the vision and national mission of becoming the University of the Galilee.”

Ms. Raikin has devoted her professional career to working closely with local au thorities to foster regional development throughout Israel. In recent years, she has specialized in Israel's northern re gion supporting regional clusters, ad vancing regional initiatives, leadership training programs and promoting cross-sector collaborations. She contin ues to initiate collaborations and part nerships to enhance the development of the Galilee, in which Tel-Hai plays a central role. “We understand the challenges, and know that the college, as the future university, plays a sig nificant role in the growth we aspire to. The university will be the realization of the potential we all recognize; the fulfillment of what we have envisioned. Throughout the upcoming years, we will work hard to ensure that the university will be established here as a groundbreaking home for innovation, progress and research. Tel-Hai serves as a pillar of strength and resilience. The university will reflect the populations of the re gion and will improve the quality of life for all – urban and rural settlements, Jews, Druze, Bedouin, Muslims, Christians, for everyone.”

Tel-Hai is honored to have such a distinguished and dedicated team leading this transition, with each member bringing to the table a unique area of expertise, vast experience and the values that coalesce with Tel-Hai’s vision. The endeavors of the committee have not been deterred by the challenges of the war and it has powered ahead with this vital mission that holds hope for the future of the Galilee, and its rehabilitation and growth in the days after the war.

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Tel-Hai's year in the Shadow of War

Students from Tel-Hai’s Arts Institute, Social Work and Education Departments establish open studios in evacuation centers around the country + students, lecturers, and college staff volunteer in a wide range of activities for soldiers, evacuated communities, and the general public in Israel Galilium (STEM educational program) conducts scientific activities for children in evacuation centers across the country

Tel-Hai’s Kiryat Shmona campuses become a military zone Recruitment of Tel-Hai students, lecturers and staff to IDF reserve duty Evacuation of large sections of the Galilee, including students, lecturers, researchers, and administrative staff Dr. Moshe Farchi’s Six Cs psychological first aid model is implemented nationwide

Innovative combat rations are developed at Tel-Hai and IDF soldiers battling in Gaza and Lebanon get to enjoy delicious, nutritious, hot meals

Tel-Hai provides temporary alternative accommodations for Tel-Hai and MIGAL’s evacuated laboratories and researchers in academic institutions across the country, and at the Katzrin campus, and constructs prefabricated research facilities at Agmon Hula Research Center Transferal of educational programs (such as for the gifted and for special needs) to the Katzrin campus College staff transition to working in WeWork spaces across the country and to working from home

Academic year opens with hybrid and remote learning in the Katzrin campus and at learning centers across the country Inauguration of the ‘Innovation in Teaching Building’, Katzrin campus

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Open days held across the country Appointment of the accompanying committee for the establishment of

Tel-Hai’s 11th FoodTech Conference, Ayelet Ha Shachar Conclusion of the academic year

the university by the Council for Higher Education

The 9th Galilee Panhandle Conference Fire outbreaks throughout the Galilee

Tel-Hai prepares for coming academic year with learning centers in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Katzrin Last open day in Haifa 6 Tel-Hai researchers win ISF grants

Board of Trustees convenes, Katzrin

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The Regional Knowledge Center East Galilee: Applying regional-specific data to enhance quality of life in the Eastern Galilee and beyond

Both these goals have proven crucial in understanding and addressing the region’s unique challenges. Creating a Quality-of-Life Index specific to the Eastern Galilee region The first major goal of the Regional Knowledge Center was to develop a Quality-of-Life Index tailored specifical ly to the Eastern Galilee. This was achieved through creating an index based on extensive literature review, fo cus groups and in-depth interviews with local leadership. The importance of this index lies in the complexity of the Eastern Galilee, which is comprised of 18 municipalities governing the 180,000 residents. These include Kiryat Shmona, Katzrin, Zefat, Rosh Pina, various Kibbutzim, Moshavim, Druze, Muslim, Christian and Bedouin villages, and all the com munities of the Galilee-Golan, reflecting the uniqueness and diversity of the social fabric in Israel. As we welcome this diversity and value its many advantages, it also presents a great challenge due to the region’s scat tered heterogenic populations and de centralized municipal structure. As Dr. Cohen explains, “Data collected about the larger northern district exists, but this

evant data. Since its establishment, the center has become an indispensable resource for data-driven decision-mak ing and policy formulation in the East ern Galilee. Dr. Ayala Cohen, Head of the Re gional Knowledge Center and Senior Lecturer at Tel-Hai’s Department of Social Work, emphasizes the center’s unique approach: “Our primary func tion is to collect and present data that reflects the realities of the Eastern Galilee region. This comprehensive data collection allows us to identify socio-demographic trends within the Eastern Galilee and conduct targeted research to delve deeper into specific issues. Driven by active public partici pation, this model ensures that our findings truly reflect the needs and experiences of our diverse communities and provides both a broad overview, and in-depth insights into our region’s chal lenges and opportunities.” From its inception, the center set out to accomplish two major goals: 1. To create a Quality-of-Life Index specific to the Eastern Galilee re gion. To promote data-driven deci sion-making and policy formula tion within the Eastern Galilee’s local authorities. 2.

Dr. Ayala Cohen Head of the Regional Knowledge Center Senior Lecturer, Department of Social Work

The Eastern Galilee Regional Knowl edge Center is a beacon of insight and innovation for the Upper and Eastern Galilee-Golan area, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the region. Established in 2022 through the collabo ration of the Eastern Galilee Cluster, Tel-Hai College, the Coast-to-Coast Canada-Galilee Panhandle Partnership, and the Ronald S. Roadburg Founda tion, the center was founded with a clear mission: to enhance the quality of life in the Eastern Galilee through informed policy decisions grounded in locally rel

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High/very high satisfaction from current educational system

often fails to capture the nuances and reflect the unique, diverse socio-demo graphics of the Eastern Galilee and its populations. Our index provides a com prehensive baseline that reflects the re al-life experiences of our residents.” This customized index allows for re peated examination over time and across varying situations (such as wars or pan demics). By consistently measuring these indicators, the center can evaluate the effectiveness of policies and identify the region’s evolving needs and any areas re quiring attention. Promoting data-driven decision making and policy formulation within local authorities in the Eastern Galilee Yifat Koren-Zimran, General Manager of the center explains, “In a world where knowledge is power, in order to advance the quality of life in the Galilee region, decision makers need reliable, accessible, and up-to-date knowledge about the state of the region in order to promote smart and effective policies. The role of the Knowledge Center is to collect, re search, and make this knowledge acces sible.” To accomplish this, a digital dashboard was created to serve all municipalities in the region. This platform allows local authorities to upload data about their residents and present it in an accessible manner. Maintaining the data collection and its presentation within the dash board is a collaborative effort of the mu nicipalities and the center. It is this coop eration that made it possible to create such an indispensable resource for pro moting shared agendas. A cornerstone of the center’s philoso phy is transparency and the accessibility of knowledge. All surveys and research findings are available for public viewing on the Eastern Galilee Regional Cluster website and Facebook page, ensuring that residents, researchers, and policy makers alike have access to crucial infor mation about the region. Invaluable insights informing wartime response When the Iron Swords War began in Oc

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Early childhood Elementary school Middle school

High school

Fig. 1 - Parent satisfaction from children's current educational systems grouped by grade levels

While the early childhood facilities received moderate or higher ratings, the frameworks for older students are rated lower, with only 12% high/very high satisfaction levels in the middle schools and only 21% in the high schools .

we can accurately measure the impact of the conflict on education and develop targeted interventions.” The survey also uncovered alarming rates of PTSD indicators among resi dents, which were significantly higher than the national average, especially among evacuees. “Our findings under score the critical need for targeted men tal health interventions and support sys tems as we work towards recovery and rebuilding,” Dr. Cohen adds. The economic impacts of the conflict have also been severe, particularly for self-employed individuals and in the tourism sector. The center’s data shows that 88% of self-employed and business owners reported detrimental effects to their income due to the war, with 47% experiencing a severe decrease of over 50% in their income. Despite these challenges, the center’s work has also highlighted the resilience of communities in the Galilee, with find ings that underscore the strong social fabric and bonds contributing to the re gion’s ability to face adversity. The cen ter’s community resilience index has pro vided valuable insights into the factors that help communities withstand and recover from crises. Recent survey data

tober 2023, the center swiftly shifted fo cus to collect and analyze data on the population’s status in the fields of educa tion, community resilience, health ser vices, mental health, welfare, economy, and employment during the war. The pre-existing baseline data allowed the center to identify and measure the changes and challenges arising from the war, and during the prolonged period of evacuation and security threats. Contrib uting to the center’s crucial wartime ac tivity was the generous support of the UJA Federation New York. A recent survey conducted by the cen ter among residents of the Eastern Gal ilee revealed alarming trends in three main areas: education, welfare and em ployment. Findings in the field of education raised concerns particularly regarding middle and high schools. Only 12% of parents expressed a high degree of satis faction with middle school arrangements during the conflict, with nearly half of middle school students studying 12 hours or less per week. Dr. Ayala Cohen notes, “These chal lenges compound existing educational disparities in our region. By comparing current data with our pre-war baseline,

The middle schools were rated the lowest among evacuees living in hotels and residents who were not evacuated; only 10% of the former and 7% of the latter expressed high or very high satisfaction from their children's arrangements.

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“In a world where knowledge is power, in order to advance the quality of life in the Galilee region, decision makers need reliable, accessible, and up-to-date knowledge about the state of the region in order to promote smart and effective policies. The role of the Knowledge Center is to collect, research, and make this knowledge accessible.”

from July 2024 measuring factors such as community strength, emergency pre paredness, affinity to place, and social trust, found that 76% of Kiryat Shmo na’s young adults (aged 19-35) expressed pride in being residents of their city, 64% felt a very high sense of belonging to their city, and 64% perceived a high lev el of mutual assistance among the city’s residents. The role of the Regional Knowledge Center in data collection and research becomes even more crucial when looking ahead. Tel-Hai’s transition to university status will present new collaborative op portunities and research avenues for le veraging the center’s academic activity to develop northern Israel. After all, the knowledge generated by the center is not just academic – it is a powerful tool for shaping policy, attracting investment, and building a stronger, more resilient Galilee, and it is poised to play a central role in the region’s recovery and growth. The center’s ongoing work, maintain ing and expanding the digital platform for data presentation and analysis, will continue to provide decision-makers with accurate regional-specific informa tion. The center’s commitment to trans parency ensures that this valuable infor mation remains accessible to all, fostering informed public discourse and collabo rative governance. As the Eastern Galilee

charts its course through recovery, and into a new era of academic excellence with Tel-Hai’s university status, the Re gional Knowledge Center stands ready to light the way with informative data, actionable insights, and a deep commit ment to the region’s future. In these challenging times, the center’s work exemplifies the power of reliable knowledge created in collaboration with, and for the benefit of local communities. This model is the first of its kind in Isra el, and has potential for future imple mentation in other regions and local authorities. By providing a clear picture of where we have been, where we are, and where we need to go, the Regional Knowledge Center does not just collect data – it illuminates the path forward for the entire Eastern Galilee region and be yond.

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Students at the forefront of war relief

year students are experiencing much more distress. How many disasters can one endure? How can one focus on studying for exams facing all the challenges we’ve experienced and wit nessed? There’s a profound sense of helplessness, particularly evident in the aftermath of the Majdal-Shams tragedy; students didn’t know how to process it. Nevertheless, I feel the col lege has done what it could to ease the burden on students during this time. For example, following the Maj dal-Shams incident, the college of fered an additional exam date for stu dents from that community.” Beyond his mentoring responsibili ties, Amir took the initiative to orga nize social activities. He recognized that social and community aspects, previously underemphasized, play a crucial role in motivating Ara bic-speaking students to persist in their studies. While the current secu rity situation made organizing social gatherings challenging, he produced several social events that students con sidered successful. Amir serves as a pillar of support, a source of knowledge and empower ment for the students. He particularly stood out in his search for creative solutions to problems in the depart ment. Beyond routine matters, Amir made sure to talk with students week Amir Amar Third-Year Student, Department of Computer Science

Amir, (30), a resident of Maghar, has been volunteering in the Dean of Stu dent’s Office since 2022, focusing on reducing dropout rates and support ing Arabic-speaking students in the Computer Science department. This year, as part of his role, Amir men tored approximately 70 first-year stu dents. His responsibilities included establishing personal connections with students, providing ongoing sup port throughout the year, liaising with the department and lecturers to help new students start on the right foot, and ensuring they had someone to turn to in their native language. “We primarily focused on making knowledge accessible, providing trans lated updates from the college, and explaining course material. I had nu merous personal conversations with students about their rights and entitle ments. We encountered several cases where students struggled with remote learning and even considered leaving Tel-Hai College. In such instances, the college staff and I provided closer sup port and found solutions to prevent dropout,” says Amir. He continues, “This is an extremely challenging period for students due to the security situation, compounded by the implications of distance learning. Second-year students are coping bet ter with the circumstances, but first

ly, offering tips for success, encourag ing them when things got tough, and motivating them to participate, attend classes, and aim high. He accom plished all this while dealing with his own challenges throughout his degree. “On a personal level, my under graduate journey has been overshad owed by significant challenges.” Amir reflects. “I started my degree in cen tral Israel, then the COVID-19 pan demic hit. I had to leave the center and decided to return north and enrol at Tel-Hai. Fortunately, my previous studies were recognized, and the col lege gave me credits for them. Of course, life itself brings its own chal lenges, and on top of that, my final year took place in the shadow of the war.” Despite these obstacles, Amir persevered in his activities for younger students. For his unique contribution, Amir received an Award of Recogni tion from the college.

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Paying it Forward - restoring Israel’s resilience during war

As this is being written, Israel is still at war. The northern front is under constant attack, with tens of thousands of civilians still evacuated from their homes. Many of our faculty members and students continue to serve in the reserves, defending our country on the frontlines, while others have taken on supporting the home front. Tel-Hai's Stress, Trauma and Resilience Track, Department of Social Work The importance of initial interventions in emergency situations is critical: rapid, precise, and effective interventions great ly help both in reducing trauma symp toms and in reducing the risk of future post-trauma - but mainly help the affect ed person to return quickly to function ing during crisis. The Stress, Trauma and Resilience track is a unique study program within the Department of Social Work at Tel Hai. It was founded by Dr. Moshe Far chi, Head of the Department of Social

teering and taking action to support communities during the war. Through out the year, both quantitative and qual itative data was collected to study how these volunteer activities impacted the various communities and what lessons could be learned. This research exam ined the impact of the activities not only on the communities receiving support, but also on the volunteers providing the support who were themselves exposed to the devastating effects of the war. Student Activity During the War Students and graduates of the Stress, Trauma and Resilience track have taken the lead in volunteer activities, working with a deep sense of purpose to establish and execute community resilience pro grams both within the college and throughout the country. They have played a pivotal role in restoring the re silience of Israel’s various communities during the war and will continue to do so in the days ahead. The support they offer is constantly being adjusted to match the changing needs of the various target groups, as the war continues. The principles guiding all

Work and an expert in the field of Psy chological First Aid (PFA) interventions in situations of trauma, emergencies, and disaster. The track's purpose is to train future social workers to become professional and skilled providers of ini tial psychosocial support and interven tion during such crisis situations. Throughout their studies, the students of the track are integrated into various organizations that provide psychosocial interventions in times of crisis and emer gency, such as the Golan Rescue Unit, United Hatzalah, Emergency rooms in hospitals, the Sexual Assault Victims Support Center, and NATAL (National Trauma Victims). After receiving special ized training, students are able to join these organizations' field activities and hotlines. Faculty members of the track are active researchers who continue to develop practical models that may be im plemented in the field. With the outbreak of the war, the De partment of Social Work faculty mem bers established the Research Center for Innovation in Social Work, and decided to dedicate the academic year of 2023 2024 (and longer if necessary) to volun

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The Six Cs Model

children as young as 11, to adults, and to Home Front Command soldiers. Helping in evacuee centers: logistic support (i.e., organizing activities and encouraging people to be active) along with Psychological First Aid (PFA); during the first few days. The immediate needs combined these two aspects in most cases. Once the logistic aspects were under control, our students focused on helping evacuees to create a daily rou tine and helped parents communicate the horrific events of October 7 to their children. Additionally, students assisted community leaders in organizing activi ties, reducing passivity and increasing proactivity, as well as in making import ant decisions, such as relocating commu nity members to semi-permanent loca tions. Working in alternative educational systems: students took part in setting Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli Traffic Po lice, Fire Department, Magen David Adom (Israel’s EMS), Search & Rescue Units, and local authorities volunteer & emergency teams. The model has also been integrated into international insti tutions including the military forces of the United States and Germany. Hun dreds of mental health professional and nonprofessional personnel from various countries including, England, the Philip pines, Nepal, Greece, Serbia, Uganda and Mozambique, have been trained in the Six Cs model. The ‘Six C’s’ is an acronym represent ing the model’s six principles of interven tion: Communication, Commitment, Cognition, Continuity, Control and Challenge. Each of the six C’s offers sev eral behavioral and verbal techniques to reduce stress responses, regain cognitive control and restore self-efficacy and function during emergency situations and times of acute stress. The guidelines for using the model were developed with a practical and

interventions focus on increasing person al capabilities and sense of control, en couraging proactivity and regaining in dependent functioning, while reducing the risk of developing secondary trauma tization in the future. All interventions were overseen and guided by the profes sional faculty of the department. Stu dents and graduates, who themselves had been evacuated worked with the commu nities at their temporary locations, others travelled to evacuee centers, while some launched independent initiatives. Below are some of the initiatives they took part in: Training civilians and Home Front Command soldiers in the SIX C's Model: students and graduates engaged in providing psychological support and provided training in the practice of the Six Cs model to communities across the country. The training was provided to The Six Cs Model was recognized as the national model for Psychological First Aid by the Israeli Ministry of Health in 2017. It has been adopted as the main model for immediate assistance in stress ful and emergency situations by the Min istries of Education, Health and Internal Security in Israel as well as by the Israel The Six C’s Model was developed by world-renowned mental health specialist Dr. Moshe Farchi, Head of the Depart ment of Social Work, and Founder of the Stress, Trauma and Resilience study track at Tel-Hai. It was designed to pro vide Psychological First Aid (PFA) inter ventions by professionals and non-profes sionals alike, during crisis and/or stressful situations. The model uniquely combines current neuropsychological insights with practical use for the general population, enhancing functional independence. Im plementation of the model during a crisis enables individuals to return to full effec tive functioning within minutes, while reducing the risk of developing second ary traumatization.

up and activating temporary schools and preschools to provide alternative educational frameworks and routines for children, allowing parents to focus on the recovery of their families. Providing support for victims of the Nova party: students and graduates provided support to survivors of the Nova party through in-person meetings and via telephone conversations. Assisting the spouses of reservists: women (mostly) whose spouses were called to duty were left with the burden of keeping their families functioning all on their own. Interventions included establishing support groups, setting up designated hotlines, and offering indi vidual interventions as needed. Helping in hospitals: with hospitals flooded with hundreds of injured pa tients, in various conditions, volunteer straightforward approach that allows training individuals in just a few short hours to become first responders who can provide immediate Psychological First Aid during the acute phase of trau ma. These interventions build both indi vidual and community resilience, dra matically increasing independence. Individuals and communities are em powered to care for themselves during crises, and to gain control of chaotic sit uations. The simple and effective method of this model allows people who have been trained in the method to “pay it forward” - parents to children, teachers to students, community leaders to neigh bors, friends and colleagues, and so on. Thus, creating a ripple effect that can reach tens of thousands of people, influ encing a vast range of populations. This accessible approach proved to be essential in the aftermath of the Iron Swords War in Israel, enabling people to apply these principles themselves, foster ing resilience and aiding in community recovery.

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Dr. Moshe Farchi is the driving force be hind the innovative Stress, Trauma and Resilience Studies track at Tel-Hai Col lege. As the Head of the Department of Social Work, he has pioneered this spe cialized program to train future social workers in providing professional and skilled psychosocial support during crisis, emergency, and disaster situations. Dr. Farchi is a renowned expert in the field of acute trauma, emergency mental health intervention, and psychological first aid (PFA). He has developed the Six Cs model, a set of guidelines for imme diate interventions during the acute phase of trauma. Dr. Farchi holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Home Front Command of the IDF, where he is responsible for planning and implementing PFA inter vention protocols across IDF units. He has led trauma relief efforts during sig nificant events, such as Operation Cast Lead, Operation Pillar of Defense, Op eration Protective Edge, and more. Since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis, he has also served as a Senior Mental Health Advisor for the Israeli Ministry of Health. Dr. Farchi currently serves as the President of the International Center for Functional Resilience and serves on the national Board of Social Work within the Ministry of Welfare and Social Affairs. In addition to his national contributions, Dr. Farchi has headed several humani tarian psychosocial delegations to Sri Dr. Moshe Farchi Head of the Department of Social Work, Founder of the Stress, Trauma and Resilience Studies Track

work varied from immediate assistance to the patients’ families, working with the health authorities, or training others to provide PFA to families and, occasionally, to medical personnel. Staffing hotlines: NATAL – Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center and other hotlines were swamped with calls from both civilians and soldiers and needed help in providing service around the clock. In addition to staff ing existing hotlines, new lines were opened, supervised by professionals from Tel-Hai College. Looking towards the future with hope As the war continues to unfold, the rel evance and effectiveness of the Six Cs model developed by Dr. Moshe Farchi has become even more apparent. This simple, yet powerful framework for pro viding Psychological First Aid has been rapidly adopted and implemented across Israel - from the military and emergency services to local communi ties. The model's accessibility and effi ciency have enabled it to reach and em power tens of thousands of Israelis, enhancing individual and collective re silience during this immensely challeng ing time. Students and graduates of Tel-Hai's Stress, Trauma and Resilience track have played a pivotal role in bringing the Six Cs model to life, volunteering

tirelessly to train civilians, soldiers, and community leaders in its application. Under the leadership of Dr. Farchi and the dedicated faculty members of the Social Work Department, these future social workers have been at the forefront of restoring Israel's resilience, whether through hotline support, educational initiatives, or direct psychosocial inter ventions. As the nation looks to the future and to the rebuilding of the north, we take heart in knowing that this cadre of skilled and compassionate professionals will continue to be a source of strength and hope for all Israelis affected by the war. Through their dedication, and the far-reaching impact of the Six Cs mod el, the people of Israel can look ahead with greater confidence in their ability to overcome this crisis and emerge even stronger than before.

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Students at the forefront of war relief

Erez Tal Shir (25), originally from Maz keret Batya, had been living in Kiryat Shmona before October 7th. With the outbreak of the war, he was

Erez ran a playroom for children in the afternoons and evenings. During the mornings, he conducted resilience train ing sessions for teenagers, who

forced to evacuate his apart ment, and following sever al relocations, he now resides with his girl friend in Ramat-Gan. Before his studies, Erez worked in a book store where he devel oped a particular inter est in self-help and therapy books. Among these, he discovered the writings of Professor Mooli Lahad, a Profes sor Emeritus of Tel Hai College, founder of the “Mashabim Stress Prevention Cen ter” in Kiryat Shmona,

volunteered with the chil dren, and he provided them with the tools to identify regression situa tions and ‘red flags’ that required further inter vention. The period Erez spent at the hotel exposed him to both pain ful and touching stories that will forever remain a part of him. Later, as the college re

Erez Tal Shir Second-Year Student, Department of Social Work

sumed operations, Erez channeled this involve ment to his fellow students. Erez recognized that students from his track

Lanka, Georgia, and Haiti during nat ural disasters. In recognition of his contributions, Dr. Farchi has received prestigious awards, including the Social Workers Association Award and the "Ot Ha Hossen" (Resilience Shield Award), for his involvement and promotion of re silience during security escalations in the southern region of Israel. We at Tel-Hai, are honored to have Dr. Farchi as a member of our faculty and are proud to be the homebase for his important work and research. The magnitude of its impact continues to resonate and strengthen our nation's resilience.

and an international expert in psy cho-trauma treatment. Upon further research, Erez learned about Prof. La had’s connection with Dr. Moshe Farchi, Head of the Department of Social Work and founder of the Stress, Trauma and Resilience studies track. “I believe that if something frightens us, it’s an opportunity to delve into the difficulty and explore it,” Erez says. “The Stress, Trauma and Resilience program, combined with these two esteemed lec turers and the beautiful landscapes of the Galilee, made me realize I had found my place.” Erez was recently honored for his ex emplary social initiatives during the Iron Swords War. Throughout his academic journey at Tel-Hai, Erez stood out thanks to his unwavering commitment to pro moting social values. His intense dedica tion manifested in spending several months at the Dead Sea, volunteering with children and teenagers who had been uprooted from their homes, after being exposed to the traumatic events of October 7th in the Gaza Envelope com munities. There, he worked with the Re silience Branch of the Eshkol Regional Council and Dead Sea, connecting chil dren with appropriate emotional thera pists. Subsequently, at one of the hotels,

who had served in the reserves, were forced to deal with growing gaps in their studies, as their military service was ex tended. Supported by the college’s social involvement scholarship, Erez took charge of addressing the issues faced by these students. He mapped their needs through a WhatsApp group created for this purpose and coordinated students from each year who agreed to summa rize lessons and share research articles. In preparation for the exam period, Erez also conducted intensive study mara thons for the students returning from reserves. “The Stress, Trauma and Resilience study program really prepares us for the current reality. For instance, in the course on ‘Ongoing Traumatic Situations’, I could directly apply every sentence I learned to a situation I encountered while volunteering and doing practical training, with evacuees at a hotel in Ne tanya. I wish I’d had those tools during my volunteer period at the Dead Sea... I thought I’d take a break between my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but be cause of all the experience I’ve gained in recent months, I want to provide help wherever needed – and as soon as possi ble.”

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We shall return to the Galilee Lessons learned from the Battle of Tel-Hai

The annual national ceremony at the Statue of the Roaring Lion, commemorating the Battle of Tel Hai was cancelled this year, due to the war. A handful of members of Kibbutz Kfar Giladi, Lobby 1701, and the Trustees of Tel-Hai Association, decided nonetheless to honor the events that took place there more than a century ago, and to draw strength and hope from the past, while looking to our future here in the Galilee. Prof. Amir Goldstein, Associate Professor at the Department of Multi-Disciplinary Studies, spoke at the ceremony. The essence of his speech is captured in the words below; may they inspire us all: “Dear friends, greetings to those of you gathered here today, to the residents of the Galilee who are scattered throughout

the land, and to the citizens of Israel who are with us in spirit. The ceremony we hold each year, at the Statue of the Roaring Lion, not only commemorates the events that took place here 104 years ago, but also pres ents the opportunity to recount the story of Tel-Hai from the perspectives of the past, the present, and with a view to the future. The story of Tel-Hai consists of many levels. What should be the focus of this year’s ceremony, that is being held only thanks to the initiative of the com munities of Kfar Giladi, Lobby 1701, and the Trustees of Tel-Hai Association? We could talk about Trumpeldor – and I mean the impressive figure he was during his lifetime, rather than in his death - a Jewish Russian youth who, among other things, founded the pioneer movement to advance the building of an exceptional society in the National Jew ish Homeland, to be established here in the Land of Israel. We could talk about

Sarah Chisick, or Dvora Dechler, the two women who fell here alongside Trumpel dor and the other men; these are worthy subjects. However, this year I would like to highlight a period that has not re ceived sufficient attention in the story of Tel-Hai – the abandonment of Tel-Hai and the return, seven months later. After all, on March 1st, 1920, the Upper and North-Eastern Galilee were effectively deserted, and the region was void of Jew ish settlement for seven months. I would like to elaborate on this period, which has regained new significance this year. In the first few days following the fate ful battle of Tel-Hai, several pioneers expressed their desire to return to the settlements they had left. However, rep resentatives of Zionist organizations dis couraged this, due to safety concerns. The battles in this region continued until the end of May 1920, when French forc es managed to regain control of the area. Their representatives even invited the

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inhabitants of the abandoned Jewish set tlements to return to their homes and promised them financial compensation for the damage done to their properties and fields. When the head of one of the Zionist organizations arrived in Metula, he encountered the reassuring presence of the French forces - a colonel and hun dreds of soldiers, but he also discovered that the doors and windows of many houses had been pulled out, and many roofs had been destroyed. It took several weeks for the outcome of the war in Lebanon and Syria to be determined, and for the security situa tion in Lebanon and throughout the Gal ilee to stabilize. In August 1920, several members of the ‘Hashomer’ organiza tion conducted a tour in the area. Gad Avigdorov, one of the scouts, recounted their arrival in Kfar Gil’adi and Tel Hai: “There, we found everything in ruins.” I would like to quote a few sentences from the call he published to pioneers and institutions: “Mainly, we must get down to very serious work. Rise, friends, to build the Upper Galilee […] return and rebuild with great vigor. Do not de lay our steps. The time has come for the Upper Galilee, and the moment is here. Do not be negligent - the responsibility is on you.” The leaders of various organizations began planning the return. They debat ed who, and how many people should go north. Finally, after seven months of be ing displaced, on the holiday of Sukkot (October 5, 1920), a first convoy set out northward with twenty men, six carts, and four additional men on horseback. On October 7th – that was the date – they set up tents in Tel-Hai. The follow ing day, they began repairing the col lapsed roof of a house in Kfar Gil’adi. Within a short time, new signs of life burst forth amidst the ruins. Later that month, some thirty farmers returned to Metula and quickly began repairing the houses. A visitor who came to observe the activity reported in the Hebrew press that “the return of life to as before is al ready evident in every corner. Children’s voices can be heard in the streets.” He added that the residents of Metula were demanding the swift opening of the local

Prof. Amir Goldstein , Historian, Author and Associate Professor of History and Israel Studies at Tel-Hai. Among his publications is the article, ‘Tel Hai 1920–2020: Between History and Memory’, (Yad Ben Zvi and Tel Aviv University, 2020), coedited with Yael Zerubavel.

school. Thus began a new chapter in the Galilee, one of building and renewal. This year, we draw inspiration from this chapter in the story of Tel-Hai. We look to the example of those who, despite the many challenges, returned seven months after the battle to rebuild that handful of settlements – determined to hold on to this stretch of land. And it is from here that I address the residents of the Upper Galilee, Kiryat Shmona, the border settlements and those adjacent to them, the tens of thousands of women, men, and children, who have been away from their homes for so many months, and to the many who continue to reside in the valley and in the hills, just kilome ters from the border, in settlements that have not been evacuated. We are experi encing difficult times in these months spent away from our homes, torn from our routine, our communities dispersed and divided. Though we find it hard to comprehend so many months of evacu ation, it is impressive to witness the ex traordinary efforts of the residents of the Galilee (and, of course, the efforts of our dear brothers and sisters in the Gaza En velope) to create a much-needed routine for children, teenagers, and family life amidst the ongoing evacuation. From this ceremony, in front of the

Statue of the Roaring Lion, one of the symbols of this region, we look ahead. We shall return. That’s how it is with the people of the Galilee. Just as they did in 1920, and in other times when security challenges were heightened. My message to you is this: The re newed development of the Galilee will be based on a regional partnership, a joint process involving the authorities and the communities, the residents of Kiryat Shmona, the kibbutzim, the moshavim, and the villages. This is the key to success in the processes of region al recovery and renewal – and may it be so. We, the residents of the region, the regional authorities, and local communi ties, are committed to working hard to ensure that the return to the Galilee – may it be swiftly and safely, will represent a turning point in the region’s develop ment. I shall conclude with the words I quot ed earlier, said seven months after the battle of Tel Hai regarding the return to the North: “Rise, friends, to build the Upper Galilee […] return and rebuild with great vigor. Do not delay our steps. The time has come for the Upper Gali lee, and the moment is here. Do not be negligent - the responsibility is on you.”

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