Nava & Alex Wedding Campaign: Peace of Mind for IDF Combat Veterans

“These are the soldiers who give Israel ‘Peace of Mind’ So friends, it is our duty to help them find their Peace of Mind”, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Zt"l. As we rejoice in the simcha of our wedding, our hearts are with our brothers and sisters in Israel fighting for all of Am Yisroel. Our community in NJ has been privileged to have hosted several POM units. We have built many personal friendships with participating IDF soldiers/veterans, and they all attest to the incredible impact this program has had on their lives, and the lives of their families. IDF soldiers were rushed into battle in the aftermath of the most heinous attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The destruction, the sights of families murdered in their homes, will stay with them forever. Based on past experience researchers estimate that 80% will suffer to some degree from post-traumatic stress. Peace of Mind (POM) is a therapeutic intervention in which IDF veterans receive time and space to process their combat experiences. Part of the Metiv Israel Psychotrauma Center in Jerusalem, and in partnership with Jewish communities worldwide, the program strengthens their emotional and mental wellbeing. Over 3,000 IDF veterans have been on the program since 2007, hosted by 70 Jewish communities worldwide, with Israel's Ministry of Defense providing support in the past year. Thousands of soldiers are now being released from the battlefield. Our standard program held abroad in partnership with Jewish communities is not an option during the war. Yet we recognize that processing is sorely needed as the soldiers return home, even as they know that they likely will be called back to the battlefield in the near future. The purpose of these interventions are to: • Strengthen resilience and group cohesion • Prevent development of PTSD symptoms • Provide a platform for initial group processing and closure of the current chapter of the war Over 1,200 soldiers who fought in the current war are scheduled to join Peace of Mind workshops between January - April 2024. With your support, these young men and women, who have sacrificed and risked so much, will have the opportunity to participate in the Peace of Mind program. Thank you for allowing our veterans to get the Peace of Mind they need and so rightfully deserve.