Israelis have a healthy respect for clowns. They see the red nose and slapstick as a way not just to make people laugh, but as a tool for healing and resilience.

The country already leads the way in medical clowning, setting up the first academic course in the world, and carrying out studies which have proven that clowns can have a positive impact on anything from pain relief to fertility treatments.

Today you’ll find clowns in hospitals, schools, in the community, and even on emergency aid missions all over the world.

Perhaps it’s no surprise then that one woman decided the best way to handle Israel’s growing street protests was to dress up as a clown policewoman and hand out hearts and love.

It’s a unique initiative and Idit, the woman behind it, has become an anchor for many during the war, helping change the atmosphere in volatile situations and bringing light and even a sense of fun to dark times.