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    • Amid US election tensions, calls to support Olim hotline increase – Israel News
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    Amid US election tensions, calls to support Olim hotline increase – Israel News

    Online Niel Posted on

    Calls to KeepOlim’s “Tikva Line” emotional support hotline have increased in recent months, in part due to calls from Olim, who is worried about the upcoming U.S. presidential election, according to line director Susan Cohen.

    Cohen, who also runs Tikva – the mental health services arm of KeepOlim – explained that the line “gets calls about the US election and how stressed it is Olim they got over it.”

    Olim shared fears about who would win the election and fears for family and friends still living in the U.S., Cohen said.

    “Many Olim experience a lot of anxiety and fear because of it US elections and they’ve been very vocal, they fear for Israel and the Jewish population in the US,” she said.

    Cohen added that it’s “interesting to see and hear how passionate they (Olim) feel about the US, even though they don’t live there anymore.”

    (L-R): Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are seen ahead of the presidential debate (illustrative) (Credit: REUTERS, SHUTTERSTOCK)

    The concerns KeepOlim professionals hear through the hotline are also reflected in the Tikva program’s other mental health program intake systems, she said.

    Created after October 7th

    The hotline was created later The October 7 Hamas attack on Israel to provide olim immediate emotional support around the clock.

    The line has been in operation for a year, and demand now is higher than ever, Cohen said. Anxiety levels are very high among Olim, she said, adding that the hotline has helped people with “anxiety, PTSD, suicidal ideation, isolation, soldiers who are nervous about recruiting” and more.

    “I don’t think there’s a topic I haven’t covered.”

    Cohen pointed out that the hotline has a 100 percent response rate and is available 24/7. Most helpline professionals speak English, but callbacks are offered in other languages. Tikva can also offer therapy services, Cohen added, saying all professionals undergo regular training.

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    The hotline is available to olim who feel they need emotional support on any topic and is also available to families of single US soldiers.

    Callers from Israel can call the hotline at 074-775-1433.Callers from the US can call the hotline at 213-3961-1771.



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