On October 30th, the Mental Health Is Real campaign partnered with Anzhelika Steen Olsen’s SHER organization to host its first New York event at Lincoln Square Synagogue. Responding to the growing mental health crisis and increased antisemitism, the event brought together over 500 community members, including Nova survivors, college students, and IDF soldiers.

Attendees heard from renowned speakers Dennis Prager, Rabbi Manis Friedman, Lizzy Savetsky, and Tanya Zuckerbrot, with Rona Ram Lalezary moderating. The event also featured a healing session led by Rivki Jungreis, the founder of APT 15 Tranings, Kesher’s founder Malka Shaw, and Gina Ross, President and founder of the International Trauma Healing Institute. A VIP reception with the panelists followed the program.

Mental Health Is Real, founded by Lalezary this past June and launched in Los Angeles, is a virtual platform providing access to six free one-on-one virtual sessions with mental health practitioners. Also available on the platform are ongoing support groups and emotional aid tutorials to assist the Jewish community in surviving and persevering during this difficult time. Mental Health Is Real recruits and trains therapists and wellness practitioners from around the world, equipping them to support Israelis and diaspora Jews suffering emotional trauma. SHAI is proud to partner with Mental Health Is Real in its mission to provide mental health resources and healing sessions to Jews worldwide.