Ono Rehabilitation Director Discusses the Importance of Mental Health Treatment at This Time

Dr. Sara Daas–Iraqi is a Lecturer in the Bachelor’s Degree program in Education and Society in the Specialization in Disability and Accessibility at Ono Academic College.  She serves as the Director of Ono’s School of Integration, Rehabilitation and Recovery.  Dr. Daas–Iraqi shared her thoughts on the importance of Mental Health Treatment following Hamas’ attacks of October 7th.

“Over the last year, the State of Israel was wracked by social, political and security upheavals, the worst of which was the brutal October 7th attack on the civilian population. Meanwhile, the country’s work in the field of mental health rehabilitation has also been going through a significant crisis. These crises, at the State and rehabilitation level, affect the complexities of those dealing with mental health issues.”

Mental health is traditionally considered the “hidden part” of the field of disabilities. Today, the field of mental health rehabilitation needs a significant increase in the budget for the development of trauma-sensitive therapists and the training of rehabilitation teams. Restoring mental health at this time is critical at a time when large and growing sectors of the population are suffering from stress, mental difficulties and more.

As an occupational therapist who manages Ono’s School of Integration, Rehabilitation and Recovery, I see great value in raising awareness about the field of mental rehabilitation and the possibility for every person to recover.”

Dr. Sarah Daas-Iraqi