“I Feel Like I’m Going to Explode”: WIZO Launches Lifeline for Men Struggling with Anger, Violence, and Emotional Crisis Amid War

As the war in Israel drags into its second year, the toll is not only measured on the battlefield but in the homes, relationships, and mental well-being of countless men across the country. In response to growing concern over rising anger, emotional distress, and domestic violence, WIZO has expanded its Men’s Helpline – *9835 to address this urgent crisis.

Originally focused on domestic violence, the helpline now offers a broader, anonymous, and non-judgmental service for men dealing with stress, emotional turmoil, and anger—particularly those affected by the ongoing war and security instability.

A Society That Teaches Men to Suffer in Silence

Dr. Guy Brooker, a clinical social worker and group facilitator behind the helpline, explains why this service is more vital than ever:

“Israeli society teaches men to hide pain. To be ‘strong,’ to carry the burden, and never ask for help. But no one can carry this much for so long without breaking. Our conversations reveal the deepest pain—the sense that there’s no space to be vulnerable. That there’s so much rage, fear, and shame, but no outlet.”

One man, Brooker recounts, called the helpline and whispered, “I feel like I’m going to explode. I don’t know what to do with myself.”

“These aren’t just emotional struggles,” Brooker stresses. “These are cries for help. The difference between venting to someone and hurting someone can be a phone call.”

A Disturbing Trend

A recent survey conducted by WIZO and the Rosinck Institute paints a troubling picture. Among 601 Israeli men aged 25-64 in relationships:

• 68% perceive the national situation since the war began as “bad” or “very bad”
• 75% agree the economic crisis has increased stress for men
• 69% say the security situation has done the same
• 42% believe it’s understandable that this reality could cause many men to lose control
• 34% reported witnessing a man in their close environment experience a rage episode or loss of control
• 24% witnessed verbal abuse toward a partner or children
• 11% witnessed physical violence

Yet only 33% of men reported knowing where to seek help for anger or loss of control.

Tsahi Harari, WIZO’s digital lead for the Men’s Helpline, says this lack of awareness is part of the danger:

“The most important thing is to talk about it. To share. Not to be alone. Violence crosses gender lines—but men often don’t know where to turn when they’re overwhelmed. This is where WIZO’s helpline steps in.”

Not Just for Soldiers

While many services exist for reservists or those wounded in combat, WIZO emphasizes that there’s an entire population of men who are invisible—those not fighting at the front but struggling at home, in their relationships, and with their mental health.

“These men are fighting every day to survive emotionally,” Brooker says. “They, too, deserve a support network.”

Quiet Cries for Help

The war has created a perfect storm of emotional and financial stressors. From unemployment to prolonged separations, the fabric of many relationships is fraying. Rivka Neuman, head of WIZO’s Division for the Advancement of Women, explains:

“The war of October 7th leaves a lasting imprint. Grief, physical and mental trauma, growing reports of domestic violence—these signs pushed us to act. We needed to understand what men were experiencing and create new paths to stop the snowball effect before it becomes unmanageable.”

WIZO’s Men’s Helpline now offers a safe space to speak, without judgment, paperwork, or fear of exposure.

“This line can prevent violence,” Brooker adds. “Sometimes one anonymous, compassionate conversation is the difference between escalation and healing.”