Following the shooting massacre at an open-air country music concert in Las Vegas on Sunday which left 59 people murdered and 527 injured, David Rubin, terrorism expert and founder of Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, which treats children in the Biblical heartland traumatized by terror, spoke with Breaking Israel News about what is needed to both prevent and heal from such a tragedy.

“There are various aspects to combating terror,” explained Rubin to Breaking Israel News. “On a national level, countries need to recognize that there is a jihadist Islamic evil ideology which creeps into the psyche of terrorists, even if they aren’t directly paid or led by radical Muslims. Governments cannot keep chasing individuals and calling them ‘lone wolf’ terrorists. Rather, they must recognize that their is a poisonous ideology which they must combat.”

The investigation into the motives of gunman, 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, is continuing. President Trump, appearing before reporters at the White House soon after the mass shooting, called it “an act of pure evil“. ISIS has claimed responsibility, stating that Paddock was a recent convert to Islam, but the FBI has found no evidence of any ties to militant or radical organizations.

“In either case, the resultant PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is about the same,” continued Rubin. “There is, perhaps, a subtle psychological difference between knowing that a terrorist is part of a radical ideological group, which might cause people greater trauma, than if the person is a crazed individual. However, in both situations, the psychological reverberations and suffering are enormous.”

Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman stated at a news conference, “It is a very difficult time. While the sun is shining in Las Vegas, it is a very dark and black day.” However, through Rubin’s extensive experience with terror victims, he notes that the darkness after such an act of evil lingers on much longer than a day, a week or even a month.

“Individuals, whether they have directly been a victim of terror or are connected to victims of terror, must deal with their trauma,” said Rubin. “PTSD has a domino effect, with a wide reach which can last years. PTSD can linger after the event is no longer a news item or part of people’s conversations.”

Rubin explained that, following a terror attack, there is a lot of news coverage. Doctors are interviewed and describe in detail what operations or treatments they have provided to the injured. Victims describe what went on during the attack and their wounds. But weeks, months or even years later, those affected often experience deep psychological trauma.

“Unfortunately, by that time, in the public forum, the attack is barely remembered. No one is talking about what happened and those who need psychological help to heal fall through the cracks,” he said.

Sixteen years ago, Rubin and his 3-year-old son were assaulted by terrorist gunfire while driving through Israel’s Biblical heartland. Through this personal experience, Rubin recognized the need for treatment after trauma and founded Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund.

“Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund has had tremendous success treating and healing children from the Biblical heartland who are victims of terror,” he stated. “We provide a variety of creative therapies, which can also work for traumatized adults and would be helpful to those affected by the Las Vegas massacre.”

The organization incorporates art, music, animal, horseback riding, drama, and play therapies into their network of healing. However, Rubin pointed out to Breaking Israel News that the therapies are not “activities to improve creative skills or have someone become an artist, musician or actor, even though, that might be a by-product. The therapies specifically address the trauma of the patient.”

Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund therapies focus on creative ways for the patient to express their deepest pain in order to release their PSTD and go on to living healthy lives and have a productive future.

“We, at Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, pray for the complete healing of all of the victims of terror, and, especially now, for those affected by the Las Vegas tragedy,” Rubin concluded. “We are happy to help wherever we can.”

To donate to Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund, please visit here.