Israel's 'Wave After the War': Veteran-Led Groups Combatting PTSD

The Looming 'Wave After the War'

• ⚠️ Experts anticipate a significant surge in post-traumatic stress among Israeli soldiers following the prolonged conflict with Hamas.
• 🎯 Over 6,000 soldiers have sustained physical injuries, but the invisible wounds of trauma are seen as the next major battlefront.
• 💬 Robbie Brenner of American Friends of Israel Navy SEALs (AFINS) emphasizes that those debilitated by war experiences are ongoing casualties.

Veteran-Led Support Initiatives

• 🤝 AFINS partners with Israel's Atal Foundation to provide one-on-one assistance, communal activities like retreats, and the "Buddy Line" outreach program.
• 🌊 The Buddy Line program connects SEAL volunteers with individuals from other units, engaging them in therapeutic water activities like surfing and sailing.
• 🎯 Former Israeli Navy Seal Gal Hacohen finds healing through extreme kayaking and video production-based therapy, focusing on fun and activity to build bonds.

Transforming Pain into Purpose

• 🚀 Brothers for Life, founded in 2007, pairs newly injured soldiers with mentors who have overcome similar injuries, helping them to dream again and accomplish goals.
• 🏥 Since October 7th, Brothers for Life has significantly increased its operations, deploying hundreds of mentors and making over 22,000 hospital visits.
• 🧠 Rabbi Haim Lavine highlights the unprecedented emotional trauma due to the barbarism witnessed, calling the resulting PTSD unlike anything seen before.

Personal Journeys of Healing

• 🎖️ Sneer Pila, injured in 2014, found healing through Brothers for Life by mentoring other commanders, sharing his experience and validating their struggles.
• 🎗️ Pila's determination to help advance the mission of Brothers for Life has grown, seeking more funding for doctors and PTSD treatment globally.

Broader Trauma Support and Recognition

• 🇺🇸 The US Army's understanding of combat stress, dating back to World War II, highlights the need for support after extended periods in combat.
• 🎓 Regent University and Hebrew University are involved in training professionals, including first responders, to recognize and deal with post-traumatic symptoms.
• 📞 CBN Israel is collaborating with the Trauma Coalition of Israel to support residents affected by trauma, offering resources and professional training.