Health

By Pesach Benson • September 16, 2025

Jerusalem, 16 September, 2025 (TPS-IL) — When thousands of Israelis were evacuated during the October 7 Hamas attacks and subsequent Hezbollah rocket barrages, many were placed in state-funded five-star hotels, a setting that might seem ideal. But a new study reveals that luxury did not protect evacuees from profound psychological strain. The research shows that comfort alone cannot substitute for autonomy, routine, and emotional support—and that even the most “ideal” displacement can feel like confinement.

The study, conducted by PhD student Noy Assaraf and Dr. Netanel Dagan of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Institute of Criminology, draws on in-depth interviews with evacuees across six hotels. Published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Social Work, the findings challenge assumptions about what makes emergency housing effective.

“Most people assume that giving people a nice room, good food, and safety is enough to mitigate trauma,” Assaraf said. “Our findings show it isn’t. Even in luxury settings, evacuees experienced real psychological distress.”

The researchers coined the term “incarceresort” — a blend of incarceration and resort — to describe the paradoxical reality: evacuees were materially cared for yet felt trapped. “You’re in a golden cage,” said one evacuee. “Getting everything, but it’s not home.”

Participants described lost autonomy, disrupted family routines, and a constant sense of limbo. Crowded rooms reduced privacy, and many evacuees were unable to work or maintain daily activities. Others felt guilt for being housed in comfort while loved ones were in danger.

“I would go to my relatives’ house and clean like crazy — not because I love cleaning, but because I missed doing it,” said one woman, reflecting how even small chores provided a sense of purpose. Another evacuee described stagnation: “Time stands still… it’s being in the room, watching TV, then going down for dinner, and the same thing again.”

The study highlights a critical insight: material comfort cannot replace emotional well-being. According to Dragan, “Freedom is a dynamic experience. Even spaces that seem ideal can produce suffering if people lose control, routine, or connection.”

Based on their findings, Assaraf and Dagan recommend that emergency housing strategies go beyond shelter and food. Evacuees need access to mental health support, activities that foster agency, and ways to maintain community and routine. These elements are crucial to preventing the hidden psychological toll of displacement, even in seemingly luxurious conditions.

“The key takeaway is simple but urgent,” Assaraf said. “Providing comfort alone is not enough. We must ensure that displaced individuals can maintain autonomy, connections, and a sense of purpose.”