In a powerful display of creativity and community, American Friends of NATAL (AFN) hosted its annual "Voices of Resilience" gala, an event that brought together luminaries from art, philanthropy, and the real estate industry to champion mental health and trauma recovery. The evening featured the much-anticipated Brush "Helmets for Heroes" live auction, hosted by Emmy-winning actor, filmmaker, and activist Yuval David, as well as moving stories of resilience shared by those directly impacted by NATAL's programs.

Voices of Resilience: Stories of Strength and Healing

Moderated by NBC News' Chief Political Analyst Chuck Todd, the gala's panel discussion illuminated the profound impact of NATAL's work. Professor Rivka Tuval-Mashiach, NATAL's Chief Psychologist, shared insights into the organization's innovative narrative-based treatments, which help trauma survivors reclaim their identities. The panel also featured powerful firsthand accounts:

  • Hananel Zilberberg, a former IDF Platoon Commander and author, detailed how NATAL helped him navigate the complexities of PTSD and inspired his book Ma Ha'kesher.
  • Ortal Biran Gorfinkel, an IDF Civil Affairs Captain, recounted her harrowing experience leading recovery efforts during the October 7th attacks and how NATAL helped her create a support group for fellow soldiers.
  • Shiran Israel, a Nova Festival survivor, shared her journey of seeking therapy through NATAL to confront and manage the trauma of the attack.

“NATAL therapy made me realize that everything I am feeling is okay,” said Gorfinkel, highlighting the organization's role in normalizing the healing process for trauma survivors.

The gala featured the Brush's "Helmets for Heroes" collection, a collaborative project that turned IDF helmets into powerful works of art. The helmets, reimagined by 17 internationally acclaimed Israeli artists, symbolized the journey from trauma to recovery. Starting with an online auction on November 14, the collection culminated in a live bidding event during the gala. Proceeds from the auction will directly fund NATAL's trauma recovery programs, which have seen an unprecedented rise in demand following the October 7th attacks in Israel.

Dr. Ilan Preiss, Co-Founder of Brush, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, “The mental health needs of our soldiers are as critical as their physical safety. Since October 7th and the ongoing war, the demand for PTSD prevention and treatment has surged dramatically. Our mission is to support the brave men and women defending Israel by funding both conventional and innovative therapies proven to aid in their mental health and resilience.”

The auction's standout pieces included David Gerstein's "The Butterfly Effect", symbolizing transformation and hope, and Sigalit Landau's "Memory Loss", a poignant exploration of the inner toll of trauma. Uzi Amrani's "Protected From All Harm" incorporated military and spiritual symbolism, while Tomer Peretz debuted an entirely new and experimental work for the occasion. Yuval David, who served as auctioneer, captivated the audience, declaring, “We will dance again, and we will continue to thrive.”

Real Estate Leaders Champion NATAL's Mission

The event also underscored the critical support of the real estate community, which played a pivotal role in its success. Key sponsors included Ran Eliasaf, Founder and Managing Partner of Northwind Group, and Jason Bordainick, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Hudson Valley Property Group. Northwind Group's sponsorship honored the late Dr. Itamar Barnea, a pioneer in trauma care and a symbol of resilience. “Itamar's life is the flaming definition of resilience, on how to build your life back after enduring unimaginable trauma,” said Eliasaf. “This is exactly what is needed following the aftermath of October 7th and what NATAL provides.”

A Celebration of Art, Philanthropy, and Hope

The evening's audience included a diverse group of supporters, from influential creatives and philanthropists to real estate leaders and VIP guests. Attendees shared the event on social media, amplifying its message of resilience and the importance of trauma recovery.

As the night concluded, Maayan Aviv reflected on the collective power of community-driven philanthropy: “For NATAL, resilience isn't just a buzzword—it's the heart of our mission. Tonight, we saw how art, philanthropy, and community can come together to create pathways for healing.”