Words can save lives

Sahar provides instant, accessible and anonymous psychological assistance via the Internet to people experiencing mental distress and suicidal situations.

Our Services

In 2020, Sahar volunteers provided support to 26,714 children, adolescents, adults and seniors experiencing emotional distress and saved 342 lives.

Learn more (Hebrew)

About Sahar

1000

Applicants assisted in the past year

Active Volunteers

life-saving on average per year

0 %

Donations are made directly to the association's activities

Offices and minimum overhead

Sahar – Online Mental Health Support was established in 2000 and is an Internet-based emotional support and suicide prevention organization in Israel (non-profit). We provide anonymous, confidential and free crisis support via a chat hotline (in Hebrew and in Arabic), e-mail and support forums, and actively surf websites and social media to detect distress messages, provide crisis intervention and alert the police in cases of imminent risk for injury or suicide. Sahar also runs a content rich website with links to mental health services and a podcast covering mental health topics. All services are provided free of charge by 180 trained volunteers in crisis intervention, who receive year-round guidance and supervision by a team of mental health professionals.

Sahar is the only organization in Israel specializing in online-only support for mental health and emotional wellbeing needs.

Organizational accreditations include:

Membership of the National Suicide Prevention Council and advisory to government ministers and legislature on issues relating to suicide prevention.
Formal support agent for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp and a partner organization in Facebook's Suicide Prevention Center in Israel.
Recipient of the Health Minister’s Shield for Volunteering and Midot Seal of Effectiveness proving ability to create social value and positive change.
Publication of research conducted in collaboration with Geha Mental Health Center on suicide related calls during COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, one of the top ten science journals in the field of mental health.

In 2020, Sahar volunteers provided support to 26,714 children, adolescents, adults and seniors

It is expected that the number of people in need of mental health support will continue to grow in the aftermath of COVID-19. Sahar's service is a lifeline to people of all ages and has become essential during this exceptionally difficult time.

Testimonials

You guys are amazing. A lot of times they z stopped me here from hurting myself and you really help me a lot here.

December 2021

Thanks to you I did not hurt myself, you reall helped me, you gave me strength, hope, I feel a kind of company. I wish you would help a lot of people get out of the situation they are in and save more people like you saved me.

june 2022

I'm much more okay right now. I guess it was a passing moment. The post you uploaded that offers to read before doing reckless things may have saved my life ...

March 2022

Volunteer

What Does a Volunteer Crisis Counselor Do?

Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7 text line for people in crisis in the United States. The service is powered by volunteer Crisis Counselors who work remotely—anywhere with a computer and secure internet connection works.

Crisis Counselors answer texts from people in crisis, bringing them from a hot moment to a cool calm through active listening, collaborative problem solving, and safety planning.

The Process:

Step 1: Complete the 30-minute Crisis Counselor application and consent to a background check

Step 2: Complete the 30-hour web-based crisis counseling and intervention training.

Step 3: Take your first counseling shift and start changing lives!

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Help us support others

Contribute to SAHAR and enable the continuation of the assistance lines, Partners in saving the lives of hundreds of people at risk of suicide each year.