Aug 6, 2024

Federation-Funded Shields of Resilience Supports IDF Soldiers’ Mental Health

Federation is addressing the national mental health crisis in Israel through a first-of-its-kind program to protect Israel Defense Force soldiers against PTSD. Through Shields of Resilience, a major mental health initiative created by the organization Thank Israeli Soldiers, IDF members are learning grounding tools and coping mechanisms to help them transition on and off the battlefield. With a $600,000 Federation allocation and support from additional partners, the program will treat 125,000 combat soldiers, both active and reserve, through 620 facilitators working at retreats in six locations throughout Israel. According to a psychological consultant at the University of Haifa, if mental health goes untreated, eight to 15 percent of IDF soldiers will not work, will not function well as partners or parents, and will suffer terribly. The goal is to not only return soldiers to their lives, but also to ensure their ability to lead Israel long after the war is over. Priority is given to combat units, including those who have suffered broken chain of command, casualties or wounded soldiers.