Aug 26, 2026

Federation Leaders Sponsor Aspen Retreat for IDF Veterans

This week, a group of IDF commanders are participating in an immersive retreat designed especially for them in Aspen, CO, through the leadership of the Diamond Family Foundation. Created by longtime Jewish Miami philanthropists (and part-time Aspen residents) Jon and Susan Diamond, the Aspen Renewal Initiative (ARI) is a weeklong program addressing battle fatigue and PTSD for Israeli veterans reacclimating to everyday life. The program was created in memory of the Diamonds' beloved brother-in-law, Ari Deshe, following his death in April 2026. Ari was an IDF soldier who played a critical role in the Yom Kippur War. The program's first cohort, who have spent the majority of the past three years in Gaza, immersed themselves in the Aspen mountains hiking, biking, rafting and horseback riding, gathering for a Shabbat dinner and counseling opportunities. Rabbi Jonathan Berkun of Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center joined the group to provide spiritual leadership. Susan Diamond is a Federation Board Member.