by Ram ben Ze'ev
In Israel, the sound of a siren is a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by rockets. Designed to save lives, the country’s alert system has become a vital tool for ensuring citizens have precious seconds to find shelter. However, this constant state of readiness comes at an unintentional and devastating cost: widespread psychological trauma and anxiety. For many Israelis, the very system meant to protect them has created a parallel crisis of fear and paralysis, leaving countless lives disrupted in ways far beyond the physical dangers of rocket fire.
A Nation on Edge
In cities and towns across Israel, the shrill wail of sirens has become a part of daily life. Whether in Sderot, Ashkelon, or Tel Aviv, and now throughout the north of Israel, millions of Israelis are routinely forced to abandon their activities, scramble for shelter, and brace for an attack. For the overwhelming majority of citizens, the immediate threat passes without any physical harm. The Iron Dome intercepts approximately 90% of rockets targeting populated areas, and the vast majority of rockets land harmlessly in open fields. Yet, the psychological toll is far-reaching and enduring.
Consider the disparity: while sirens affect nearly the entire population, the physical harm from rockets impacts only a small fraction. Over two decades, rocket attacks have resulted in approximately 100 fatalities and several thousand injuries—tragic numbers, but statistically minuscule when compared to Israel’s population of over 9 million. In contrast, nearly 30-40% of residents in high-alert zones suffer from symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or related anxiety disorders, with children being particularly vulnerable.
Lives Paralyzed by Fear
The psychological impact is undeniable. Many Israelis now live in a state of hyper-vigilance, unable to enjoy even the simplest aspects of life. I know people whose lives have been completely upended by this constant state of fear. They cannot perform everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, or even taking a shower without anticipating the next alert. They avoid public spaces, stay close to shelters, and live in a perpetual cycle of anticipation and dread.
For some, the mere thought of being caught off guard is paralyzing. The act of running to a shelter—only to return minutes later to an unchanged reality—creates a maddening sense of helplessness. This is not the kind of resilience Israel is known for; it is a population worn down by relentless psychological strain.
The Impact on Children
Children, in particular, bear the brunt of this invisible crisis. Studies show that over 70% of children in southern Israel display signs of traumatic stress, from nightmares and bed-wetting to difficulty concentrating in school. For these young minds, the sound of a siren triggers more than a physical response—it shatters their sense of safety and normalcy. These effects can last a lifetime, shaping their worldview and ability to cope with stress.
Parallels with the COVID-19 Pandemic
The psychological toll of Israel’s rocket alert system finds a parallel in the state of fear experienced globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Governments worldwide, in their efforts to save lives, implemented constant updates, warnings, and restrictions that left many populations in a prolonged state of anxiety and uncertainty. Just as Israelis are driven to shelters by sirens, millions were confined to their homes, consumed by fear of an invisible virus. The repetitive cycle of alarming news reports, social distancing measures, and strict lockdowns created a climate of dread, leading to spikes in anxiety, depression, and other mental health crises. The common thread is clear: while such measures are intended to ensure safety, the long-term psychological fallout from sustained fear and uncertainty cannot be ignored.
The Government's Failure to Eliminate the Threat
After 76 years of statehood, and more than a year since the atrocities of October 7, 2023, the Israeli government has failed to eliminate the root cause of this national trauma: the enemy’s ability to launch rockets daily. The reliance on defensive systems like the Iron Dome has created a reactive strategy that manages the threat but does not eradicate it. This approach has allowed terrorist groups to maintain their capacity to terrorize, ensuring the psychological and physical siege on Israelis continues unabated.
The Need for Bold Leadership
For the Israeli government to effectively address the root cause of the nation’s ongoing trauma, it must prioritize decisive action against the enemy over concerns about public perception or international criticism. Public opinion, both domestically and globally, often pressures leaders into reactive strategies that mitigate immediate threats but fail to resolve the underlying issue. Eliminating the ability of terrorist groups to terrorize Israel with indiscriminate rocket fire requires bold, uncompromising measures that might not always align with short-term public sentiment or the preferences of the international community. Leadership demands the courage to make difficult decisions that ensure the long-term safety and stability of the nation.
The Economic and Social Costs of Fear
Beyond personal anguish, the economic and social costs of this anxiety are immense. Workers are interrupted, productivity plummets, and businesses suffer as people prioritize safety over routine. The constant disruptions ripple across all sectors, from education to healthcare, leaving no aspect of life untouched. Meanwhile, the resources allocated to mental health care—while critical—struggle to keep pace with the growing demand for trauma support.
The Unseen Consequences of Protection
Israel’s resilience has long been a source of pride, but resilience should not come at the cost of mental health. The sirens, while critical to preventing physical harm, have unintentionally created a new crisis: a population paralyzed by anxiety, unable to live fully in the shadow of fear. The system, as it stands, prioritizes safety but leaves little room for normalcy.
As Israelis, we must ask ourselves: Is this the cost of survival? If we continue down this path, the lasting damage to our collective psyche may rival the physical threats we face. It is time to rethink how we protect our people—not just their bodies, but their minds and spirits as well. For in the end, true security is not merely the absence of physical harm, but the presence of peace in our daily lives.
Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews Limited, Mayside Partners Limited, MEADHANAN Agency, Kestrel Assets Limited (developer of MAYCOINS), SpudsToGo Limited and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue