The day after October 7, the family left for a friend’s home near Eilat. “I began having outbursts at my kids for no reason. I was depressed. I knew I had to do something.” While Elana had struggled with postpartum symptoms for some time, she hadn’t sought help. But the trauma of that day pushed her to a breaking point.

Upon returning home, she made an appointment at the Israel Trauma Coalition Resilience Center in Ashkelon. 

Following October 7, trauma increased significantly among Israelis, and the Resilience Center saw more applications, leading to long waitlists. To address this situation, The Associated and Baltimore synagogues launched a campaign to raise funds to pay for additional therapy sessions, home visits and intervention services. 

As a result, Elana was able to receive therapy and learned coping mechanisms. 

The Associated’s support of Ashkelon began more than two decades ago, with the establishment of the
Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership. Elana’s father, Marty Davis, was involved in its founding. 

“The Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership helps so many people. Their support of the Resilience Center made a real difference in my life. I know there is someone there if I need it,” she says. 

She adds, “It is so very important that the Jewish community around the world is there for one another.”