Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, we are reminded of the urgent need to confront one of the most silent and devastating issues in our society: suicide. In Israel, based on The National Program for the Prevention of Suicidality and Suicide, over 500 people die by suicide every year, and more than 6,000 others attempt to do so. These numbers, staggering as they are, likely don't capture the full scale of the problem. Many cases go unreported, and the impact on families, communities, and the nation is profound. The Israel Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 23% of the abovementioned statistics are under-reported.
Certain groups within Israeli society—youth, the elderly, and immigrants from Ethiopia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (former Soviet Union)—are especially vulnerable. And then there’s another group, which is incredibly important to us as a nation: soldiers. The mental health of those who protect us is often spoken about in hushed tones.
A question I am often asked lately is whether there’s a higher rate of suicide since the war started, and whether this issue is being deliberately hidden from the public. These are sensitive questions that tap into a deeper conversation about how we as a society handle the complexities of mental health and suicide. I will try to address both points with the nuance they deserve.
The Fear of Contagion
First, let’s talk about the perception of a cover-up. In Israel, we don’t talk about suicide in the media as openly as some other countries might. This silence is intentional and stems from a well-researched concern: suicide contagion. Studies show that when suicides are highly publicized, particularly those of celebrities or dramatic cases, it can lead to an increase in suicide attempts. People who are vulnerable may see these stories and, in moments of despair, make tragic decisions.
Israel has taken a stance to limit the discussion of suicide in the media to prevent such contagion. A study by Niederkrotenthaler et al. (2010) highlights the dual impact of media reporting on suicide, showing that while sensationalized coverage can increase suicide rates (Werther Effect), responsible reporting can have a protective effect (Papageno Effect). This isn’t about ignoring or covering up the issue; it’s about making a deliberate choice to protect people from being influenced by these stories. Of course, this has led to a perception that the government or other institutions are hiding the truth. But the truth is far less sinister—it’s about prevention.
Suicide: What We Know
Recently, I heard a claim that every 15 minutes a soldier commits suicide. This statement, while alarming, is simply not true. What we know, based on the latest data from those who are closely monitoring the situation, is that Israel is not currently experiencing what we call “excess suicide.” Excess suicide refers to suicides occurring at a rate higher than we would expect under normal circumstances. During major crises, such as wars or the COVID-19 pandemic, public health officials pay close attention to these numbers to understand the broader impacts of trauma and stress on the population.
At this moment, there is no evidence of excess suicide in Israel. But that doesn’t mean the issue isn’t serious or that there aren’t individual cases that break our hearts. What we are seeing is a shift in the distribution of suicides. Some people who might have been considered high-risk, perhaps because of feelings of hopelessness, seem to have found new meaning in their lives during this difficult time. For many, contributing to the collective effort or finding purpose through helping others has provided a lifeline.
On the other hand, we’ve seen suicides in groups we didn’t expect—such as parents of October 7 victims. These individuals may not have been on anyone’s radar as at-risk, but trauma affects people in deeply personal and often unpredictable ways. The shock and grief can drive some to despair. While the overall numbers haven’t spiked, the face of suicide in Israel is changing, and it’s something that needs to be monitored closely in the months and years ahead.
Preparing for the Day After
One of the greatest concerns for mental health professionals in Israel is what will happen the "day after." When the immediate crisis passes—whether it's war or another form of collective trauma—there’s often a delayed psychological toll. As the adrenaline fades, individuals may find themselves confronting a profound sense of emptiness or hopelessness. This is why the work of suicide prevention must begin now, during the crisis, not after.
Research on World War II, as well as conflicts in Israel and Northern Ireland, indicates that suicide rates often remain stable and even decline during a conflict, likely due to the heightened sense of unity, purpose, and collective effort. However, once the conflict ends, there is a notable rise in suicide rates as individuals begin to process trauma and face personal challenges that may have been suppressed during the crisis. For example, according to Somasundaram and Sivayokan (2013), suicide rates remained relatively stable during the the civil war in Sri Lanka but increased significantly afterward, as individuals began to cope with trauma, loss, and the disruption of social structures.
Thankfully, there are organizations across Israel working tirelessly to prevent suicide and provide critical mental health support. Groups like Bishvil HaChaim, which operates crisis hotlines and offers support for individuals and families, and Moshe, an organization that provides crisis intervention and emotional first aid to individuals across all sectors of society, are at the forefront of these efforts. Gila’s Way, founded by Rabbi Shalom Hammer, is helping to create culturally sensitive awareness and prevention programs. These efforts are crucial to ensuring that we don't see a surge in suicides once the immediate crisis is over.
Breaking the Silence Thoughtfully
So, how do we move forward toward a more thoughtful discussion on suicide? On the one hand, we cannot afford to remain completely silent. Suicide prevention requires public awareness, open conversations and access to resources.
Irresponsible media coverage, such as sensationalizing suicide details, portraying suicide as a solution, or providing explicit descriptions, can increase suicide rates. In contrast, responsible reporting that highlights coping strategies, offers mental health resources, and shares stories of hope, can help mitigate these risks and even prevent suicides. Responsible reporting plays a vital role in suicide prevention efforts. WHO provides guidelines based on global research to help media report on suicide responsibly. The balance is delicate.
Today, I am attending events organized by Moshe and Gila’s Way, which are bringing the community together on this important day. As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, it’s essential to remember that even though the topic of suicide is shrouded in silence in Israel, that silence is often a form of protection. But there are ways to break through it carefully and compassionately. We can talk about mental health. We can encourage those who are suffering to seek help. And we can support the organizations doing the hard work of prevention and intervention every single day.
Today, let’s remember those we’ve lost and honor their memories by ensuring that fewer families have to endure the pain of losing a loved one to suicide. Our collective resilience depends on how well we care for each other in both silence and in speech. Together, we can make a difference.
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