Mental Health and Suicide in the Ethiopian-Israeli Community: Data, Help and What To Do

The Data

Ben-Gurion University (2022) research: suicide rates in the Ethiopian-Israeli community are 2.1× the national average. Men aged 18-35 are the highest-risk group. Contributing factors: intergenerational trauma, discrimination, economic pressure, social isolation.

What To Do in a Crisis — Now

📞 NATAL: 1201 — 24 hours, Hebrew + Amharic 📞 ERAN: 1201 — mental health helpline, 24/7 📞 Police / MDA: 100 / 101

Warning Signs

Talk of "not wanting to live" / sudden social withdrawal / giving away possessions / sudden calm after a difficult period.

Culturally Adapted Resources

Tene Briut: 03-5162060 (Hebrew + Amharic) | NATAL: 1201 | Maatzimot (women): maatzimot.org.il

Asking for help is an act of courage. Asking someone directly about suicidal thoughts doesn't plant the idea — it opens a door.

📞 1201 | 03-5162060