September is a month with opportunities for reflection, contemplation, and commitment to well-being. For many in the Jewish community, the High Holy Days, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, serve as spiritual markers for introspection. At the same time, September is also recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month, a period that resonates universally for those who have been affected by mental health struggles and the heavy toll they can exact. Amidst this merging of solemn observances and significant themes, Dr. Itamar Barnea stands as an embodiment of resilience, empathy, and pioneering contributions to the field of trauma and mental health. It is fitting that he will be honored at the upcoming AFNATAL Gala in November. The event aims to broaden awareness about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the innovative work being carried out by NATAL, both in Israel and in the United States.
Honoring Dr. Itamar Barnea: The AFNATAL Gala Event
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the field of trauma therapy and his tireless work with NATAL, Dr. Itamar Barnea will be honored at an upcoming gala event hosted by the American Friends of NATAL (AFN). The gala is scheduled to take place at 583 Park Avenue on Thursday, November 30, 2023, in the evening. The occasion seeks to also raise awareness for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the expansion of NATAL’s pioneering work in the United States.
While NATAL’s roots and primary focus have been in Israel, trauma and PTSD are universal experiences that transcend geographical borders. As such, AFNATAL is committed to extending its reach and commencing its services for victims of trauma in America. The upcoming gala seeks to bring together like-minded individuals, professionals, and survivors, creating an opportunity for greater awareness and understanding of the innovative treatments and services in which NATAL has been a pioneer in. The evening promises to be an inspirational assembly, reinforcing the organization’s global mission while spotlighting Dr. Barnea’s influential role in shaping it.
Early Life and Military Service
Born in 1950 in Israel, Dr. Itamar Barnea is a man whose life narrative stands as a testament to resilience, transformation, and the complexities of human psychology. A husband and a father to five, Dr. Barnea’s roots are in the heartlands of the Tel Aviv area. Yet it was his early years spent as a fighter pilot in the Israel Air Force’s Squadron 201 that shaped who he is today.
The Yom Kippur War: A Personal Turning Point
The scars on his psyche date back to the Yom Kippur War of 1973. Flying high and vested with the intoxicating sense of power that accompanies a fighter pilot, Barnea was quickly reminded of the human vulnerability that often lurks behind uniforms and machinery. Shot down over Syria, his plane plummeted to the ground, taking with it his navigator, Gil Haran, who was killed in the crash. Barnea was captured, seriously injured, and imprisoned in Syria until June 1974.
Endurance and Transformation in Captivity
The ordeal of his captivity was unrelenting. Subjected to solitary confinement, physical injuries, and psychological torment, Barnea found himself stripped of all semblances of control and power. What once had been a soaring sense of invincibility turned into a claustrophobic encounter with his own vulnerability. Yet, it was in this very powerlessness that Barnea discovered an inner strength. His passive observation of his guards, his mental endurance, and his commitment to trust as a form of resistance enabled not only his survival but a deep shift in his worldview.
From Fighter Pilot to Jungian Therapist
Following his return to Israel and the difficult process of physical and psychological rehabilitation, Barnea took a significant turn in his life’s journey. Completing his doctorate in the United States and furthering his studies in Jungian therapy in Switzerland, he transformed his traumatic past into a wellspring of wisdom and empathy. His master’s thesis already exhibited his bent toward understanding the human psyche by focusing on the long-term impact of captivity on pilots.
Chief Psychologist at NATAL: Healing the Wounds of War
Now the Chief Psychologist at NATAL, Barnea’s contributions extend beyond mere clinical practice to a broader mission that is social and personal. Established in 1998, NATAL aims to act as a sanctuary for those broken or impacted by the ravages of war and terrorism. Barnea’s influence and expertise are palpable across NATAL’s objectives, from multidisciplinary treatment approaches to raising public awareness and training first responders.
Transcontinental Outreach: American Friends of NATAL
NATAL’s reach is not confined to Israel. The American Friends of NATAL (AFN) serves as a transcontinental bridge. AFN’s mandate mirrors that of NATAL, yet expands it to a global scale. It aims to support NATAL’s work in Israel while also bringing its groundbreaking work to the U.S. The organization facilitates collaborations with American entities that can benefit from NATAL’s expertise in trauma preparedness and recovery.
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