Processing Journey for Military Rabbinate Personnel Dealing with the Deceased

The events of October 7th created a level of complexity that the State of Israel had never known before, bringing with them a difficult and challenging reality for all Israeli citizens, and especially for IDF soldiers. Alot-Shachar Association recognizes the release period from military service as a critical time for shaping personal resilience and strength, and as a meaningful crossroads that influences the path forward in civilian life and the connection to the state. For this reason, the association sees great importance and value in processing combat experiences together as a team after completing military service. This period of time allows soldiers who gave so much of themselves for the country to close an important emotional chapter, and to leave the military framework not only physically but also mentally — helping prevent emotional scarring and the development of PTSD that may surface later on. This campaign supports a journey for soldiers of the Military Rabbinate who served hundreds of reserve days in the southern region. These soldiers were exposed to hundreds of fallen IDF soldiers through direct contact and served as the first responders entrusted with caring for our fallen heroes as they were removed from the battlefield. The extensive exposure to death requires special attention and care for their emotional wounds. Unfortunately, these journeys are still not officially recognized or subsidized by the state. Our goal is to establish and expand the successful pilot we carried out, so that we can reach as many combat teams as possible who served on the southern front during the Iron Swords War — and this is where you come in. With donations and the help of kind people along the way, we managed to bring the pilot to life. We must continue raising funds in order to keep these journeys going. The cost for each participating soldier is 4,000 NIS, and the cost for a full team is estimated at about 70,000 NIS. Any contribution, in any amount, will be greatly appreciated. Together, we can support these soldiers and strengthen the resilience of the State of Israel.