Group Psychotherapy and Group Work in Israel-1998

Summary Israelis have a reputation for being quite individualistic, but no one can compete with their social and group spirit. This quality is prominent especially in times of personal and national distress. The public' quest for mutual help and affiliation needs are especially apparent during these stressful periods. When an Israeli is in distress, friends, neighbors, and good people will surround him to offer material or spiritual assistance. When the nation experiences difficulties, such as periods of war or waves of terror attacks, there are many spontaneous expressions of mutual help, cohesion, and getting together. There is an interesting phenomenon in Israel; group therapy blossoms after each war. People become interested in group work and more therapeutic groups become available.