"Individual Ventures into Gaza, Remaining Permanently Residing Thereafter"
In the midst of the emotional toll that combat operations in Gaza have taken on Israeli soldiers, there is an urgent need for mental health support. Organizations, both governmental and nonprofit, are stepping up to provide this essential care.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Rehabilitation Department, a division within the Defense Ministry, offers social services and financial assistance to help injured soldiers and security personnel reintegrate into civilian life. Since the onset of recent conflicts, they have assisted thousands of soldiers dealing with mental health issues, adopting a "rehabilitation before bureaucracy" approach to offer individualised support[1].
Nonprofit organisations like MOSHE and Belev Echad are also making a significant difference. MOSHE focuses on reducing suicide rates among Israeli security personnel suffering from PTSD through effective, short-term community-based interventions[1]. Belev Echad cooperates closely with the Defense Ministry, filling gaps in public mental health care. Founded in 2009, they provide a dual-phase rehabilitation program combining long-term physical and psychological treatment in Israel with transformative recovery journeys abroad[2].
Experts have highlighted a challenge in the transitional support for soldiers no longer under military care but not yet integrated into civilian mental health systems, calling for improved coordination between military and civilian care[3].
One soldier, Sam, shared his struggle, stating that he never felt like he returned to himself after entering Gaza. He grapples with survivor's guilt due to the serious injuries of his comrades and has been unable to afford the full therapy he urgently needs to recover.
Hundreds of returning soldiers are experiencing invisible wounds that hinder their ability to resume normal life. Without ongoing care, they are left unable to process trauma or return to family life with peace of mind.
In response to this need, the Shomrei Yisroel organisation has launched an emergency campaign to sponsor continued therapy for 40 soldiers and their families. By donating to this campaign, individuals can make a life-changing gift today, helping to provide vital emotional care for heroes who risked everything and now need support on their path to recovery.
It is important to note that while the State of Israel provides limited initial support for therapy for returning soldiers, funding often runs out before meaningful healing can occur. The mental health issues faced by these soldiers, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, can be debilitating and long-lasting.
Donating to the Shomrei Yisroel organisation's campaign is a way to honour the service of returning soldiers and help them reclaim their lives. By supporting these organisations, we can ensure that our heroes receive the care they deserve and the support they need on their journey to recovery.
[1] https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israeli-soldiers-are-coming-home-with-invisible-wounds-1.9240671 [2] https://www.jpost.com/israel/israel-news/israeli-nonprofit-provides-therapy-for-soldiers-with-ptsd-633412 [3] https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israeli-soldiers-are-coming-home-with-invisible-wounds-1.9240671
- The need for mental health support extends beyond conflict zones, as demonstrated by the urgent requirement for such services among Israeli soldiers after combat operations in Gaza.
- In addition to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Rehabilitation Department, various nonprofit organizations like MOSHE and Belev Echad are playing significant roles in addressing the mental health needs of soldiers and security personnel.
- Beyond the initial support provided by the State of Israel for returning soldiers, there is a call for improved coordination between military and civilian care to ensure that soldiers receive ongoing mental health support and can continue their journey towards recovery.
