Peace of Mind for IDF Combat Veterans

Every year, thousands of released Israeli combat soldiers face the difficult transition back to civilian life. Many spend months overseas as a means to discharge and mitigate the psychological impact of intense combat experiences faced during their military service. Despite the well-known image of the resilient Israeli soldier, long-term effects of veterans’ exposure to stress from combat are well documented. Veterans can suffer from a myriad of psychological difficulties ranging from difficulties in relationships, aggressiveness, sleep disturbances, substance abuse, and depression. Peace of Mind works with 15-20 IDF veterans from a high-risk combat unit who all served together. Led by two Metiv therapists, the intervention consists of approximately 65 hours of group counselling and 12 individual sessions for those needing further care. Participants do not typically suffer from PTSD, yet are sorely in need of a place and time to process their combat experiences. The group setting allowing for greater mutual support while simultaneously de-stigmatizing mental health care. 70% of participants show significant post-traumatic growth following their participation in the program. 82% report increased self-awareness, and 66% report an increased ability to share personal experiences and emotions. Other measures include increased social support, everyday functioning, emotional regulation, decrease in depressive symptoms, better communication with their families and more. Until the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, a major part of the group therapeutic process would take place while the unit was hosted by a Jewish community overseas. The distance from Israel, and the community support during this phase of the therapeutic process, played an important role in creating a safe, quiet and supportive environment. The Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to Peace of Mind programming abroad, but the need remains. Matan, who together with his team went on Peace of Mind in London in 2019, called us shortly after the holidays. “I heard that there are over 120 teams (2,200 men) waiting for the program. Many of these veterans are in distress. Corona or not, these men should not wait any longer. Can you do something for them?” Based on the request of both alumni like Matan, and those on our wait list, we have developed an Israel based Peace of Mind intervention. “For me, Peace of Mind gave me crucial tools to cope during this challenging period. I am able to communicate better with my wife and children, to express emotion, and share in both joys and sorrows. The program changed my life and I want to pay it forward” says Matan. Matan together with other Peace of Mind alumni have committed to raising funds in Israel through a crowdfunding campaign. The program cost for each IDF veteran is $1,400 and everyday additional units request to undergo the Peace of Mind program. Please join these IDF veterans and their crowd-funding campaign, and ensure that through your support these young men will be able to reclaim their Peace of Mind.