The Helping Hands Project of the Yuri Shtern Holistic Center Therapists

The Yuri Shtern Holistic Center has been providing complementary medical treatments such as touch therapy, Chinese medicine, and emotional therapy to cancer patients since 2007. The YSHC activities are based on volunteering, with about 160 experienced, certified, and professional therapists. The YSHC has a unique working model for assisting people in crisis, providing ongoing training and support for volunteers, preparing them for the many challenges involved in working with the target population, as well as continuous monitoring of volunteers' reports. Due to the current situation (2023 Israel–Hamas war), we decided to support the national effort and open our services to the Soldiers and civilians who were injured during the war and residents of the South that who have been evacuated from their homes due to the situation. The "Helping Hands" project aims to provide them with free complementary medical treatments, including touch therapy and psychotherapy, and breathing exercises. These therapies significantly help individuals cope with pain, anxiety, depression, trauma, and help increase mental calmness and the ability to sleep better, which is currently scarce in these times of almost constant tension and stress. As of February 2024, the project has provided over 2,000 treatments. With the return of some residents home, we intend to open an emergency clinic in the "Sha'ar HaNegev" Regional Council. We will also continue providing treatments for war victims at our clinic at the Yuri Stern House in Jerusalem.