Sep 2, 2025

Helping IDF Reservists Overcome Combat-Related Trauma

Since October 7, 2023, Federation has been helping Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reservists heal from the emotional and psychological effects of combat-related trauma through a program called B’shvil HaMachar. Led by psychologists and counselors in a nature setting, groups of reservists engage in activities designed to help them process their experiences and mitigate future cases of PTSD. To date, thousands of reservists have participated in these healing retreats — with outstanding success. A survey of participants found that nearly 98 percent felt personal impact and growth from the sessions and 96 percent noted their effectiveness and a feeling of cohesion among their team. Shai, 32, said, “The journey opened my eyes to the world of therapy as a positive, embracing and supportive force … and helped me come back as a better father and husband.”