In the wake of the devastating events of October 7th and the ongoing war, the need for emotional support and resilience building has stretched far beyond Israel’s borders. A powerful mission recently took place in Dharamshala, India: Project “HaMakom” (The Place).
This unique humanitarian collaboration between the “HaMakom” association and NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief was established as a sanctuary for Israeli travelers seeking healing and emotional growth in the mountains of India. For many, India is a place of peace, but after the trauma of the past year, it also became a place where grief and anxiety needed a safe space to land.
A Sanctuary for the Soul
Throughout the past six months, NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief volunteers—professionals including social workers and psychologists—deployed in three week shifts to join the permanent staff at “HaMakom.” Their goal was to provide a “good eye,” a warm embrace, and a professional anchor for those navigating the complex emotions of the post-October 7th reality.
The impact of this project was profound, reaching over 5,000 Israeli travelers who passed through the space. Our volunteers helped these individuals process their difficulties and build the personal resilience needed to continue their journeys.
A Mosaic of Meaningful Moments
Volunteers described their time in India as a “mosaic of moments”—raw, exposed, and deeply human connections made far from home. These were moments where a shared presence and understanding meant everything.
One memory stood out above all: the memorial ceremony on October 7th. High in the mountains of Dharamshala, hundreds of Israeli travelers gathered to be together. What began as a formal ceremony evolved into a spontaneous, deeply moving evening of song and remembrance. Without a fixed program, individuals took to the stage to sing for a fallen friend, share a story, or simply let the music bridge the gap between those present and those lost. In that distant corner of India, the pain was palpable, but the “togetherness” provided the strength to continue growing.
The Israeli Spirit of Volunteerism
This project highlights the core mission of NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief. Whether responding to a natural disaster abroad or supporting our own community in times of national crisis, the goal remains the same: building resilience wherever it is needed.
Alice Mller, CEO of NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief, summarized the spirit of the mission:
“This volunteering expresses the values of the organization, whose volunteers stand up wherever a need arises—in Israel and around the world: ‘When the need is there, so are we.'”
As an Israeli humanitarian organization, we are proud of our volunteers who traveled thousands of miles to ensure that no Israeli feels alone, proving that resilience truly has no borders.