Peace of Mind @ Fire Island

“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. 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 we estimate that 80% will suffer to some degree from post-traumatic stress. With your support, these young men, who have sacrificed and risked so much, who have lost friends on the battlefield and who have spent most of the past years defending Israel, will now have the opportunity to participate in the Peace of Mind program in Fire Island this summer.  Peace of Mind 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. A key component of this process takes place while the unit is hosted for a week by Jewish communities overseas. The distance from Israel and the outpouring of communal support during this phase of the therapeutic process, play a crucial role in creating a safe, quiet and supportive environment where participants can let their guards down to fully engage in this healing process. The gratitude and warmth received from Diaspora Jewish communities, gives veterans a sense of love, support and appreciation. Participants in this program record significant increases in social support, healthier functioning in everyday life, positive emotional regulation, a decrease in depressive symptoms and more fulfilling relationships with their families. Thank you for allowing our veterans to get the Peace of Mind they need and so rightfully deserve.