HIBUKI: Israel’s National Comforter for Children

How the 'Hibuki' Intervention is Easing Anxiety and Offering Support to Thousands of Children Across Israel.

More than ten thousand children across the country have received the special care of the "Hibuki Intervention," the puppy doll with sad eyes and long arms that has greatly eased anxiety for children since the beginning of the war.

Maariv Online
12:57, 29/10/2024

In recent weeks, numerous studies have reported a sharp rise in mental health issues among Israeli citizens due to the ongoing war. There is no doubt that children—our future—are among those most affected by the constant sirens and distressing news. This helps explain the success of the "Hibuki Intervention," a unique method developed by Dr. Shai Hen-Gal, the chief psychologist of the "Amal U’Me’ever" group, who leads the intervention.

"Hibuki" is a soft puppy doll with sad eyes and long arms that facilitates indirect therapeutic conversations with children who struggle to express their emotions. This special intervention, launched on the third day of the war, serves as "the first line of defense for mental health in Israel," according to Dr. Hen-Gal. To date, the "Hibuki Intervention" has supported more than ten thousand children from both the northern and southern regions. It has also been adopted by numerous municipalities across the country, including Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, Ofakim, Netivot, and Nahariya, with demand continuing to rise. Several studies have confirmed that it is the fastest and most effective treatment for anxiety and post-trauma in children.

Dr. Hen-Gal explains that a team of around 30 professional volunteers from the "Amal U’Me’ever" group, known as the "Hibuki Unit," has been operating since the early days of the war. They have reached approximately 80 evacuation centers across the country, including hotels in the Dead Sea, Eilat, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Tiberias, providing support to thousands of distressed and anxious children, including those from Gaza border communities who have suffered severe trauma."We know that the earlier the intervention takes place after a traumatic event, the more effective it is," says Dr. Hen-Gal. "Of course, it's always better to intervene even before traumatic events occur, as nearly every child in Israel today is experiencing some level of fear."

In the second phase of the intervention, "Hibuki Centers" were established in cities where distress was particularly high. The first center opened in Ashkelon, in collaboration with the municipality and Bank Hapoalim, and has since treated more than 1,200 children and parents. Additional centers have been opened in Ofakim, Tel Aviv, and Nahariya, with plans to launch new centers soon in Ashdod, Nazareth, and Majdal Shams.

Operating in partnership with local authorities, these centers make mental health care accessible to populations that might not otherwise seek professional help. First, the treatment is free, removing financial barriers. Second, municipalities promote the centers through billboards and public campaigns, reducing the stigma around mental health care and legitimizing seeking help. In recent days, signs promoting the centers have appeared in major locations, including Azrieli Mall, the Ayalon Highway, and other public spaces.

Dr. Hen-Gal explains that children want the doll, and parents want their children to receive it. As a result, families arrive at the centers in a natural and comfortable way. "Parents receive a beautifully written book, co-authored by Shira Geffen and me, and read it together with their child. It doesn’t feel like 'psychological treatment' with all the stigma that entails," says Dr. Hen-Gal. "Ultimately, this allows populations that would never seek psychological help—due to various reasons—to receive care. Even if additional sessions are needed, parents feel comfortable coming back because 'it’s Hibuki' rather than traditional psychological therapy. That’s how the intervention reaches so many children who would otherwise not receive the help they need."

One of the most important aspects of "Hibuki" is how it transforms family communication. "It's easier for parents to talk with their child about Hibuki’s emotions rather than asking their child directly about their own feelings. Likewise, it’s easier for children to respond," Dr. Hen-Gal explains. "In this way, Hibuki makes emotional conversations more accessible for families."

This year, "Hibuki" was introduced to Majdal Shams following a severe local disaster. Dr. Hen-Gal treated 15 hospitalized children at Ziv Medical Center in Safed, and following its success, plans are in place to open a "Hibuki Intervention" branch in the town itself. Additionally, "Hibuki" has provided support to the children of kidnapped families and those who lost parents in the events of October 7. "Children who previously refused treatment—whether because their parents were reluctant or due to stigma—ended up forming a strong connection with Hibuki," says Dr. Hen-Gal.

This year, the project received formal recognition when Israel’s President awarded an honorary distinction to the "Hibuki" team. Additionally, the project won the prestigious Genesis Prize for its assistance to Ukrainian children. It is worth noting that the intervention, originally developed during the Second Lebanon War, has also helped children in Ukraine, Japan, Turkey, and more benefiting a total of 150,000 children worldwide. Even a newspaper in Tehran reported on the special doll—without mentioning, of course, that it was developed in Israel.

To further expand the impact of "Hibuki," a seven-episode television series has been produced in collaboration with the Children’s Channel. Hosted by Tal Mosseri, the series introduces "Hibuki’s" core principles and provides parents with tools to address children’s difficult questions during wartime.

Looking ahead to the next year, the goal is to expand the project, reaching at least another ten thousand children and opening additional branches nationwide. "We see how effective it is. With a relatively simple and low-cost intervention, we are able to prevent the development of far more severe distress," emphasizes Dr. Hen-Gal.

Highlighting the uniqueness of the approach, Dr. Hen-Gal explains: "The Hibuki Intervention is one-of-a-kind globally, as it is specifically designed for mass disasters where thousands or even tens of thousands of children require assistance—often in situations where resources and professional manpower are limited."

Dr. Hen-Gal concludes with humility yet confidence: "Our experience with tens of thousands of children has shown that while Hibuki is not a magic solution, it reduces anxiety for 70-80% of children. That’s why it has been so successful."