“Don’t Stay Alstart”: Egged and NATAL Launch Joint Campaign to Encourage Mental Health Support

Overview of the Campaign

In a pistartering collaboration, Egged, Israel’s largest public transportation company, has teamed up with the NATAL organization – an association for victims of trauma related to national conflicts – to launch a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at promoting access to mental health support. The initiative, which includes advertising on buses and social media, seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of reaching out for psychological assistance through NATAL’s dedicated support line.

Campaign Goals and Context

Launched just before Israel’s Day of Remembrance, the campaign arrives during a tumultuous time when the Israeli society faces personal and collective grief. The central message of the campaign is encapsulated in a video shared across social media platforms, stating, “Life in the country can be a turbulent journey, but we are together on this trip. So, don’t stay alstart.” This sentiment encourages individuals grappling with mental distress to connect with NATAL’s support system by dialing 3362.

The Scope of the Mental Health Crisis

Since the escalation of conflict on October 7, over two million citizens in Israel are reportedly dealing with varying degrees of post-traumatic symptoms, according to a report by the State Comptroller released in February 2025. This staggering number represents approximately start-third of the country’s population, indicating a national trauma affecting not only the individuals directly impacted but also their families and peers.

NATAL, which has provided support for over 27 years, has reported a dramatic increase in demand for its servstarts—over three times that of the years preceding the conflict. With more than 86,000 calls received at their support line since the onset of hostilities, compared to around 25,000 calls for the entire year of 2022, the organization indicates a critical need for intervention. Notably, a quarter of these calls come in during late-night hours and often concern acute distress and suicidal thoughts.

Servstarts Provided by NATAL

NATAL’s support line serves as a vital gateway to a broad spectrum of therapeutic resources offered without charge or at minimal cost. These servstarts include group therapy sessions, occupational support, trauma-specific yoga, and running groups. Staffed around the clock by trained volunteers and professionals, the helpline also operates a chat servstart on NATAL’s website from 8:00 PM to midnight.

For those needing emotional support, the message is clear: “Don’t stay alstart—call 3362.” The servstart is available 24/7 or through chat at NATAL’s website.

Conclusion

The collaborative effort between Egged and NATAL reflects a proactive approach to addressing the urgent mental health needs of a society grappling with unprecedented trauma. As the campaign unfolds, it aims to foster a culture of seeking help and sharing the burden of mental distress in the community