ABOUT American Friends of NATAL
OUR STORY
Since 1998, NATAL has offered hope, healing, and strength to Israelis in their greatest times of need, transforming lives through round-the-clock care and support for those affected by trauma and PTSD. American Friends of NATAL proudly stands with this mission, uniting a community of supporters who believe in resilience and healing.
NATAL is providing a path toward healing and recovery for Israelis experiencing trauma, emphasizing not just survival, but the potential for growth and resilience even in the face of severe adversity. With the continued support of donors and partners, NATAL is committed to ensuring that every individual affected by the ongoing conflict receives the care and support they need to rebuild their lives and find hope amid uncertainty.
OUR ROOTS
NATAL – Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center was founded in 1998 by Jude Yovel Recanati, a social activist, and Dr. Yossi Hadar, a psychiatrist, poet, and playwright. After years of working in long-term therapy, Jude transitioned to short-term art therapy, a shift that connected her with Dr. Hadar, who would become a close friend and mentor. Years later, Yossi approached Jude with an idea: the dream of establishing an organization to support those affected by trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This dream became the seed of NATAL.
Tragically, Dr. Hadar passed away before seeing the full impact of his vision, but Jude carried it forward, building NATAL into the pioneering organization it is today.
Jude Yovel Recanati, NATAL’s Co-Founder and Chairperson, has devoted her life to strengthening Israeli society. Born in Tel Aviv and educated at Herzliya Gymnasia, she was an active leader in the Israel Scouts movement and served as a nursing officer in the Women’s Corps of the Israel Defense Forces. During the Yom Kippur War, Jude returned to the army, overseeing care for hospitalized and injured soldiers.
Following her service, Jude studied psychology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and later pursued art therapy at Lesley College. She worked with patients facing head and spinal injuries at Tel HaShomer Hospital and PTSD patients at Beit Loewenstein Rehabilitation Center. Her commitment to helping others deepened as she studied psychotherapy at Bar-Ilan University, where she reunited with Dr. Hadar as her thesis advisor. Their collaboration led to the founding of NATAL, an organization that has since provided life-changing support to tens of thousands of Israelis affected by trauma.
Through Jude’s leadership, NATAL has become a symbol of resilience, hope, and healing, carrying forward the legacy of her partnership with Dr. Yossi Hadar.
OUR MISSION
NATAL is Israel's leading trauma-focused organization, providing comprehensive services to individuals, families, and communities impacted by war, terror, and violence.
Since 1998, NATAL has pioneered innovative approaches to address trauma and PTSD, offering psychological support, resilience-building programs, and therapeutic interventions. Our services include a confidential helpline staffed by trained professionals, a clinical unit serving 3,000+ patients weekly, community resilience workshops, individual therapy, and support groups tailored to diverse populations.
Additionally, NATAL conducts public education campaigns and provides specialized training to professionals, including first responders, educators, and healthcare workers, ensuring a widespread impact.