No soldier Left Behind

The Invisible Wounds - On Combat Stress Reaction and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder In Israel, military service is of utmost importance and necessity, yet within it, the soldier’s soul is often exposed to shocking sights, the loss of a brother-in-arms, and unbearable events that only those who have experienced them can truly understand. Some soldiers may find themselves having to deal with the post trauma that such events and occurrences have left etched in their minds and souls. For some, the post-traumatic stress symptoms have such a severe impact that even the simplest aspects of daily life require an immeasurable struggle. Their frustration grows when others fail to truly understand them. Many feel ashamed and take pains to hide their PTSD symptoms. Many do not know what steps to take, or whether there is hope that one day their situation might improve. No Soldier Left Behind is an Israeli non-profit organization that specializes in PTSD treatment and rehabilitation of combat veterans. Our unique therapeutic community model comprises three core elements that are instrumental in helping veterans with PTSD acquire coping skills and symptom management tools: Therapy - personalized individual and group therapies and emotional healing workshops. Social circle - continuous psycho-social support in daily activities. A safe space - in a calm and restorative setting offering peer support and opportunities for respite. Studies indicate that combat-related PTSD afflicts ~20% of veterans. However, only 3% of them will overcome bureaucratic hurdles and receive recognition as suffering from PTSD. Existing mechanisms for treating veterans with PTSD were already severely inadequate prior to October 7 and the IDF’s Mental Health Division and the Defense Ministry cannot accommodate the growing number of soldiers showing signs of severe trauma. Deterred by the obstacles and complex process involved, veterans severely traumatized in action often give up and do not apply for help or withdraw their appeal. Our therapeutic communities serve as day centers, offering customized and appropriate clinical treatment in a warm and supportive environment that features opportunities to interact with others who have encountered similar challenges. Treatments include individual and group therapy by mental health professionals who specialize in combat-related trauma; para-medical group therapies such as gardening therapy, Integrative yoga, video-therapy, anger management workshops and alternative therapies; and enrichment and recreation activities that create a strong peer network which alleviates feelings of loneliness, guilt and shame. Our therapeutic community provides both structure and nurture, it is flexible, allowing participants to choose therapies and consume services as they need. Our door is open to all veterans burdened with PTSD, regardless of their recognition status vis-à-vis the Defense Ministry and we receive people from all over the country. Services are available without bureaucracy or lengthy waiting lists, without charge and without a time limit, and they also include therapies for family members. Simply put, we don’t leave soldiers behind. No Soldier Left Behind operates four therapeutic communities: 1. Tzohar in the south in Eshkol Regional Council. 2. Tel Aviv, which is schedule to more to Ramat Gan in august 2025. 3. Kvutzat Shiller, near Rehovot. 4. Maaleh Tzviah in the north in the lower Galilee