Jerusalem: A Capital of Healing and Resilience
PTSD, stress, and trauma affect not only soldiers but also everyday citizens and even visitors to our land. The Embassy of Benevolence is committed to transforming pain into resilience through prayer, play, and holistic therapies rooted in both ancient wisdom and modern innovation.
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” -Jeremiah 33:6
The Challenge
Israel is hurting. After the October 7 attacks and the ongoing conflict, trauma is no longer just a headline — it’s a daily reality. Studies show that about 5.3% of Israel’s population — over half a million people — may develop PTSD as a direct result of recent events. In the weeks following the attacks, probable PTSD nearly doubled (from ~16% to ~30%), alongside sharp rises in depression and anxiety.
This is not just about individuals — it is about the collective soul of our nation. A wounded society cannot flourish unless healing becomes a priority.
Our Vision: Transforming the Clal Center
We envision Jerusalem’s Clal Center as the world’s first Indoor Farming & Wellness Hub — a living model of resilience where healing, growth, and innovation meet.
We foresee the future of Gaza also facilitating an appropriate location for a center like this as well.
1. Indoor Farming for Food & Hope
Hydroponics and vertical farming to produce fresh food year-round, shielded from war disruptions and labor shortages.
Residents and schools engage directly in hands-on growing and harvesting, connecting people back to the land.
The act of cultivating life becomes part of the healing process.
2. Whole-Person Healing
Prayer rooms and quiet sanctuaries for spiritual restoration.
Evidence-based trauma therapies (CBT, EMDR, group therapy), paired with ancient practices such as breathwork and guided meditation.
Cutting-edge modalities like biofeedback and cold therapy to regulate stress and support resilience.
3. Play as Medicine
A peaceful indoor playground surrounded by greenery and natural light.
Play is proven to reduce stress, support emotional development, and strengthen family bonds.
For children and adults alike, play becomes a pathway to resilience.
4. An Indoor Urban Forest
Trees, living walls, water features, and natural light woven into the design.
Research shows that 120 minutes of nature per week is linked to improved mental health, yet access to green space in cities is limited.
Bringing the forest indoors provides constant, year-round access to nature’s healing power
5. Education, Identity & Work
Job creation in agriculture, technology, education, and wellness services.
Schools and tourist groups visit to learn farming, wellness, and environmental stewardship.
Reestablishing Israel’s deep identity as a people of the land, rooted in agriculture and community.
Exportable as a global model — just as Joseph’s foresight fed nations, Jerusalem can serve as a blueprint for resilient cities worldwide.
Why Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is a symbol of resilience and light to the nations. Already, initiatives like the Maslala urban farming program are blossoming in the Clal Center — proof that the seeds of this vision are already taking root. With millions of visitors every year, Jerusalem is the most visited city in Israel, uniquely positioned to showcase a model of healing that can spread globally.
The Need Is Urgent
5.3% of Israelis — over 500,000 people — may develop PTSD.
Probable PTSD nearly doubled nationwide after Oct 7 (16% → 30%).
120 minutes of nature per week improves health and resilience.
Play, prayer, and purposeful work are essential tools for recovery.
Call to Action
Help us transform the Clal Center into a beacon of healing for body and soul.
Partner with us to fund indoor forests and wellness spaces.
Sponsor classrooms and greenhouses to reconnect schools to the land.
Support therapy programs that heal individuals and families.
Together, we can make Jerusalem not only the spiritual capital of the world — but the capital of healing.
“Studies conducted in Israel since the October 7 attacks have documented rising and persisting mental health problems, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety… The findings underscored the need to provide rapid, nationwide assessments and triage for effective interventions to address these mental health needs of Israeli citizens.”
— Researchers Yuval Neria and colleagues