Anchored in the Earth

WHEN LIFE STOPS: THE HIDDEN CRISIS AMONG IDF RESERVISTS Following October 7, most of us walked around with broken, heavy hearts and a lump in our throats, barely knowing what to say and do. We go to work, meet friends, tend to our families—nothing felt right. But among us are people whose lives have stopped and are unable to feel anything beyond numbness and pain. Even now, the agony continues. They are the IDF reservists, both men and women, who were called up to the frontlines and risked their lives to protect ours. When you ask them how they're doing, they'll probably answer, "I'm fine, how about you?" Though their response might sound normal, their eyes and body language reveal deep internal unrest. IN THEIR OWN WORDS "For a moment, it seems like life is on track, but then something breaks again. It's scary, it's lonely." "I am back with my family, but feel absolutely no connection, no joy." "The dreams I had before…they don't matter. I can't stop thinking of my time on the battlefield." THE SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE The events of October 7 and subsequent wars caused physical, emotional, and psychological damage to thousands of IDF reservists. Some were involved in brutal military action, rescued the dead and wounded from combat zones, and witnessed the death/maiming of friends and comrades. Reorienting to work and family life is nearly impossible for most. While not everyone will develop PTSD symptoms, government estimates suggest that around 10,000 reservists are suffering from trauma, a number expected to double in the coming years. KAIMA'S RESPONSE: ANCHORED IN THE EARTH To help address this avalanche of distress, Amutat Kaima acted in real time launching "Anchored in the Earth," a new initiative which provides healthy, nature-based activities for IDF reservists struggling with emotional distress. Significantly, eligibility does not depend on Ministry of Defense diagnoses, a process that can take up to nine months. Our approach harnesses the therapeutic power of nature and the profound satisfaction that comes from meaningful agricultural work. This combination fosters greater resilience, reduces isolation, and helps participants develop new skills and coping mechanisms. THE PROGRAM The ten-session program, launched in fall 2024, operates on two acres of rich farmland at Bein Hatlamim—a Kaima-inspired agricultural center located in northern Israel, near Pardes Hanna. This tranquil, pastoral setting provides the ideal environment for supporting this vulnerable population's healing journey. To date, the initiative, offered without charge, has touched the lives of nearly 100 reservists and their families. In the coming year, with the right funding, we seek to increase our outreach and scale the program geographically. ATTENDING TO EMERGING NEED: ANCHORED IN THE FAMILY Given unfolding needs, we plan to launch "Anchored in the Family" - a new seven-session initiative to address the specific needs of spouses/partners of reservists as they contend with the trauma and challenges they face. With the right funding, this critical expansion will provide them with the support and community they desperately need. A PATH TO HEALING "This program saved me, mainly from myself and from the waves of difficulty I brought back with me. By feeling I was safe to look inward, both my family and I are starting to heal."