A new study has found that Arab citizens of Israel are experiencing higher levels of distress during the ongoing war with Iran compared to Jewish citizens. Surveyed during the first days of the conflict, Arab respondents reported declines in economic stability, social connections, spiritual resources such as faith and hope, and overall emotional resilience and sense of community.

In contrast, ultra-Orthodox Jewish respondents reported the lowest levels of resource loss, particularly in social, communal, and spiritual areas, while the broader Jewish public fell between the two groups. The study also found that Arab participants were more likely to rely on coping mechanisms such as denial or sedatives, alongside practical problem-solving strategies. Ultra-Orthodox participants more frequently turned to faith-based coping strategies.

The findings align with previous research showing higher levels of psychological distress among Arab citizens during past conflicts. The researcher noted that different communities draw on distinct cultural, social, and spiritual resources in times of crisis, leading to varied psychological experiences even when facing the same national emergency.