Israel Trauma Response Fund
Background
In 2021, Leah Peksin, founder of the Gavin Farrell Foundation, recognized a critical gap in PTSD awareness and treatment across Israel. In response, the Foundation established long-term partnerships with Israel’s Ministry of Health, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Cognetica to help strengthen the country’s trauma care infrastructure. These efforts led to the launch of national training programs in Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), preparing expert clinicians to lead a nationwide rollout of evidence-based PTSD treatment.
When the October 7 attacks triggered a nationwide mental health crisis, the urgency of this work intensified. Building on the groundwork already in place, the Foundation launched the Israel Trauma Response Fund to rapidly expand access to high-quality PTSD care for those affected by war and terror.
Bringing PTSD Treatment to Those Who Need It Most
Since the tragic events of October 7, 2023, thousands of Israelis have been enduring severe psychological trauma, affecting their daily lives profoundly. Survivors, hostages, their families, and frontline responders continue to suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with many unable to access the critical treatment they urgently need due to systemic constraints in Israel’s overwhelmed public mental health system.
Our Mission
The Gavin Farrell Foundation (GFF) is stepping forward through the Israel Trauma Response Fund, a targeted initiative designed to deliver immediate, high-quality PTSD care to those most critically affected.
How We Help
Through the Israel Trauma Response Fund, GFF is funding 20 sessions of individualized, expert-led Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for 100 critically impacted individuals. Each recipient will receive treatment supervised by Dr. Derby and monitored through clinical impact tools, ensuring quality care and measurable outcomes.
Dr. Danny Derby
Clinical Psychologist | Trauma Specialist | CPT Trainer & Innovator
Dr. Danny Derby is a licensed clinical psychologist and Director of Cognetica, Israel’s leading center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). With over 20 years of clinical and academic experience, he is a nationally recognized expert in trauma and PTSD treatment.
In response to the events of October 7, 2023, Dr. Derby launched a nationwide training initiative in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), supporting clinicians across hospitals, mental health clinics, and the Israeli Defense Forces.
He is co-author of New Horizons in the Treatment of PTSD, the Hebrew adaptation of the CPT manual tailored for Israeli therapists. His work focuses on PTSD, moral injury, and shame, and he is currently developing digital tools to expand CPT access in high-need settings.
Who We Serve
Nova Festival Survivors
Returned Hostages and Their Families
Families of Those Still Missing
Survivors of October 7th Massacres
Frontline Responders
Program Details
Total Funding Required: $300,000
Treatment Coverage: 100 individuals
Session Count: 20 per individual
Cost Per Person: $3,000 (covers comprehensive therapy and supervision)
Why Act Now?
Immediate private-sector intervention is critical. The public health system is at capacity, leaving countless survivors untreated. GFF’s swift, impactful action offers not just symptom relief but hope, allowing survivors to reclaim their lives, reconnect with their communities, and move toward a brighter future.
Join Us
Support the Gavin Farrell Foundation's Israel Trauma Response Fund. Your help can make immediate, lasting change for those facing trauma’s harshest realities.