Full Breakdown
Atufot Center: A Community-Driven Healing Hub for Women in Israel’s Gaza Envelope
By Drooid · · How we work
The Birth of Atufot
In the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that devastated Kibbutz Erez—just 600 m from the Gaza border—two local women, Dr. Sapir Bitton and Dr. Shimrit Yichye, imagined a space where women could recover from trauma. Bitton, a psychiatry resident at Soroka Medical Center, and Yichye, a clinical psychologist at Bar-Ilan University, began planning the center while displaced in Mitzpe Ramon. Bitton recalled, “It was late at night in Mitzpe Ramon in November 2023,” — Dr. Sapir Bitton.
Why Atufot Was Needed
The assault left many families in the “Gaza envelope” without support. Bitton’s brother-in-law was killed in nearby Kibbutz Kfar Aza, and the community’s security team suffered heavy losses, including the death of Amir Naim. His widow, Shachar Naim, described the lasting impact: “Since then, life has never been the same.” With volunteers expected to leave after the immediate emergency, the founders recognized a gap in long-term mental-health services for women of all ages.
Timeline of Development
- November 2023 – Concept drafted during a late-night meeting in a makeshift art room in Mitzpe Ramon.
- May 2024 – Zoom planning session brought together the founders and early staff, including Yuval Arem, who later assumed day-to-day management.
- Late 2024 – Atufot opened its doors, offering counseling, group sessions, and a calming environment with soft-colored rooms, beanbag chairs, and a kitchenette.
Services and Reach
Since opening, Atufot has served roughly 600 women, with about 100 visiting weekly or monthly. Clients range from a 93-year-old to a 16-year-old. The center does not require a formal diagnosis or official victim status; any woman seeking emotional support may enter. Funding comes primarily from donations, allowing services to remain free or heavily subsidized.
Official Statements & Responses
- Dr. Shimrit Yichye highlighted the center’s role in fostering resilience, stating that the women’s collective effort “builds resilience day by day.”
- Netta Inbar, newly appointed CEO, said the goal is to develop a sustainable financial model that can keep Atufot operating beyond the current donation cycle.
- Shalom Norman, a longtime supporter, warned that “there is not forever empathy” and urged preparation for shifting philanthropic agendas.
Impact on the Community
Participants report that the center aids in coping with grief, anxiety, and depression, and provides a sense of purpose that encourages many, like Shachar Naim, to return to Kibbutz Erez.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Since then, life has never been the same,” — Shachar Naim
- “It was late at night in Mitzpe Ramon in November 2023,” — Dr. Sapir Bitton
What’s Next
Atufot’s leadership is exploring long-term funding strategies to ensure continuity as donor priorities evolve. No specific future events or deadlines were detailed in the sources.
